Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple - Nemesis

The diminutive Miss Marple (Geraldine McEwan) again finds herself in the thick of murder, scandal and gossip. Just how much homicide and mayhem can one lady take? Plenty, it seems.

Nemesis begins with Marple receiving a proposition from an old friend, Mr. Rafiel - who happens to have recently died. A message from the grave - how ominous! No need to panic, though, as this is Agatha Christie, so there’s nothing too supernatural about it. The message Rafiel leaves amounts to vague instructions warning about possible future crimes. Armed with the prophecies of (possible) wrongdoings, Marple embarks on a mystery coach tour, accompanied by her nephew (Richard E. Grant).

Marple, dark warnings and a coach - it doesn’t get more formulaic than that. But this kind of cliched style has always been Christie’s trademark. The reason audiences come back for more is the way in which the expected is made unexpected.

Geraldine McEwan as the titular Miss Marple is the picture of fragile docility. And yet, with just one look, one inflection in tone, she’s able to create an uneasy air of menace.

Elitists might snub Christie’s material, but there’s no denying the work’s disarming genius. While it diverts and entertains so effortlessly, there’s also an intricate tapestry being woven in the background.