Directed by
Kyle Newacheck
Made by
Netflix
Discover the intricate plot of Murder Mystery (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Nick Spitz, portrayed by Adam Sandler, is a dedicated New York police officer married to Audrey, played by Jennifer Aniston, who works as a hairdresser. Audrey has been longing for a romantic getaway to Europe, a trip that Nick promised her on their wedding day, but she has resigned herself to the belief that it will never come to fruition. On the occasion of their 15th-anniversary dinner, Audrey directly confronts Nick about their unreality, prompting him to fabricate a story that the trip is already booked, leading them to embark on a European adventure.
While aboard the plane, the couple encounters the wealthy Charles Cavendish, expertly portrayed by Luke Evans, who generously invites them to celebrate his elderly uncle’s wedding on his family yacht. This lavish event is meant to mark the upcoming marriage of his uncle, Malcolm Quince, to Charles’ former fiancée, Suzi, played by Shiori Kutsuna. The couple decides to ditch their crowded bus tour plans, thinking this yacht party would be a much better alternative.
Once on the yacht, Nick and Audrey meet an eclectic cast of characters: the ex-fiancée Suzi, Malcolm Quince’s openly gay son Tobey, played by David Walliams, the celebrated actress Grace Ballard, portrayed by Gemma Arterton, Colonel Ulenga, played by John Kani, and Sergei, Malcolm’s bodyguard, brought to life by Ólafur Darri Ólafsson. The charming but peculiar Maharaja Vikram, played by Adeel Akhtar, and race car driver Juan Carlos Rivera, depicted by Luis Gerardo Méndez, round out the group. However, the party takes a dark turn when Malcolm announces that only his new wife Suzi will inherit his wealth, suspecting that the others only wish to use him for his money. Tragedy strikes as the lights go out, and when they come back on, Malcolm is discovered fatally stabbed by his own dagger.
Amidst the chaos, Nick, who has falsely claimed to Audrey that he is an NYPD detective after failing his exams multiple times, takes charge and locks down the yacht for the investigation. Audrey puts her deductive skills to the test, theorizing that there must be at least two culprits involved in Malcolm’s murder. The tension escalates when Tobey is later found dead in an apparent suicide, leaving behind a note that implicates him in his father’s murder.
On reaching Monte Carlo, the guests are questioned by Inspector Laurent Delacroix, portrayed by Dany Boon, who harbors suspicions about Nick and Audrey’s involvement. At the glittering Monaco Grand Prix, Nick and Audrey attempt to unravel the mystery, leading them on a trail of clues and confrontations. They learn from Sergei that years ago, Malcolm married the Colonel’s fiancée while he was in a coma, which ended tragically with her death and an alleged stillborn child. The couple’s adventure takes a shocking twist when they witness Sergei’s murder, propelling them into a desperate escape.
With stakes rapidly escalating and their own lives in peril, Nick and Audrey’s relationship experiences turbulence as they confront secrets, lies, and the actual motivations of their fellow guests. Nick’s deception about being a detective is uncovered, igniting a rift with Audrey, who seeks comfort from Charles. However, their bond is reignited when they discover the true love affair between Charles and Suzi, and they narrowly escape from a masked assailant who goes on to kill Suzi.
The couple realizes the interconnected lives of the guests, leading to a heart-pounding climax as they uncover more than one murderer among them. After confronting Malcolm’s true heir, Grace, played by Gemma Arterton, and discovering her twisted lineage, they learn that Rivera, in his quest for revenge, poses an even greater threat. The climax erupts into a thrilling car chase, culminating in Rivera’s explosive demise thanks to a returning tour bus, the very one Nick and Audrey used to consider boarding initially.
In a surprising yet gratifying resolution, Inspector Delacroix expresses gratitude towards the couple and hints at helping Nick attain the detective title he has long aspired to. The film concludes with Nick and Audrey setting off to continue their long-awaited vacation aboard the luxurious Orient Express, courtesy of Interpol, leaving behind a whirlwind of mystery and newfound adventure in their wake.
Track the key events of Murder Mystery (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Nick and Audrey's Anniversary Dinner
On their 15th wedding anniversary, Nick and Audrey celebrate with a dinner where Audrey learns that their dream trip to Europe has yet to materialize. Frustrated by Nick's false promises, Audrey confronts him, prompting Nick to fabricate a story about the trip being booked.
The Flight to Europe
While on a flight to Europe, Nick and Audrey meet the charming Charles Cavendish, who invites them to a lavish wedding celebration on his family yacht. Intrigued by the opportunity, the couple decides to abandon their crowded bus tour plans and accept the invitation.
Arrival on the Yacht
Upon arriving at the yacht, Nick and Audrey are introduced to various intriguing characters, including Malcolm Quince, the wealthy groom. The atmosphere is festive, but underlying tensions hint at future conflicts among the guests.
Malcolm's Shocking Announcement
During the wedding festivities, Malcolm Quince announces that only his new wife, Suzi, will inherit his wealth. This declaration shocks the guests and sets the groundwork for greed and betrayal amongst them.
Malcolm is Murdered
Amidst the celebration, the lights go out, and when they flicker back on, Malcolm Quince is found fatally stabbed. Chaos erupts on the yacht as fear and suspicion rise among the partygoers, with Nick mistakenly believing he can solve the case.
Nick Assumes Detective Role
In the wake of the murder, Nick claims to be an NYPD detective to take charge of the situation. With his wife Audrey's keen intuition, they both start to piece together clues as they interrogate the other guests.
Tobey's Apparent Suicide
As the investigation unfolds, Tobey, Malcolm's son, is discovered dead in what appears to be a suicide, leaving behind a note that implicates him in his father's murder. This development raises alarm and deepens the sense of danger among the guests.
Inspector Delacroix's Investigation
When the yacht reaches Monte Carlo, Inspector Laurent Delacroix begins questioning the guests, narrowing his suspicions toward Nick and Audrey. The couple realizes they must actively prove their innocence while continuing their investigation.
Clues at Monaco Grand Prix
At the glamorous Monaco Grand Prix, Nick and Audrey delve deeper into the mystery while encountering various suspects. They gather clues and confront key players, determined to find the truth behind the murders plaguing the yacht party.
Sergei's Murder
As they investigate further, Nick and Audrey witness Sergei's shocking murder, which adds another layer of intrigue and danger to their quest for answers. This incident propels them to escape as they realize they are entangled in a web of deceit.
Nick and Audrey's Tumultuous Relationship
With rising stakes, Nick's deception about his detective identity becomes a source of conflict between him and Audrey. As tensions mount, Audrey seeks solace in Charles, yet their bond remains crucial as they navigate the escalating danger.
Discovery of the True Murderer
As Nick and Audrey dig deeper, they uncover a complicated love affair between Charles and Suzi, adding complexity to the murder mystery. The couple realizes that the guests share deeper connections, intensifying their peril.
Climactic Car Chase
The tension culminates into a thrilling car chase that tests Nick and Audrey's resolve and ingenuity. Ultimately, they face off against Rivera, who meets his explosive end thanks to an ironic twist involving a tour bus.
Resolution and New Beginnings
With the mystery resolved, Inspector Delacroix expresses gratitude towards Nick and Audrey, hinting at a bright future for Nick as a detective. The couple finally embarks on their long-awaited vacation aboard the luxurious Orient Express, ready for new adventures.
Meet the characters that bring Murder Mystery (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Nick Spitz
Nick is a well-meaning but bumbling New York police officer who longs to fulfill his promise of a trip to Europe for his wife. His deception about being a detective adds layers of humor and tension as he attempts to solve the murder mystery. As the stakes rise, Nick’s determination and heart become essential to the plot.
Audrey Spitz
Audrey is a resourceful hairdresser and Nick's supportive wife who dreams of a romantic getaway. As the plot unfolds, she showcases her intelligence and deduction skills, often taking charge during investigations. Her character embodies strength and resilience, balancing love and urgency in high-stakes situations.
Charles Cavendish
Charles is a wealthy and charming individual who invites Nick and Audrey to a lavish yacht party. His magnetic personality conceals complex relationships, particularly with his ex-fiancée Suzi. As events unfold, he reveals desperate traits that reflect his connections and intentions amid the chaos.
Inspector Laurent Delacroix
Inspector Delacroix is a methodical and suspicious investigator who questions Nick and Audrey's involvement in the murders. He adds an air of authority and urgency to the narrative, creating tension during his inquiries. His character acts as a counterbalance to the amateur sleuthing of the Spitz couple.
Grace Ballard
Grace is a celebrated actress whose presence at the yacht party adds a layer of glamour and intrigue. As the plot unfolds, her character becomes deeply entwined in the mysterious occurrences, showcasing both allure and complexity in her motivations throughout the story.
Uncover the settings of Murder Mystery (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film is set in contemporary times, revolving around modern relationships and current issues. The themes of mystery and deception resonate well within a backdrop reflective of today's society, where appearances can be misleading, and hidden motives can complicate personal connections.
Location
New York, Europe, Monte Carlo, Monaco
The film begins in New York City, renowned for its vibrant culture and iconic skyline. The couple's adventure takes them across Europe, notably to Monte Carlo, famous for its glitzy casinos and luxurious lifestyle. The breathtaking Mediterranean backdrop plays a crucial role in providing an atmosphere of opulence and tension amid the unfolding mystery.
Explore the core themes of Murder Mystery (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Mystery
The central theme of the film revolves around unraveling a complex murder mystery that intertwines the lives of various characters. As Nick and Audrey delve deeper, they confront hidden agendas and the consequences of deception. The evolving plot keeps viewers engaged and heightens the suspense as secrets emerge.
❤️
Love and Trust
Nick and Audrey's relationship faces trials as lies and temptations surface during the chaos. Their journey compels them to examine their commitments and trust in one another. This theme reflects the struggles that couples often endure, especially when faced with external challenges.
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Betrayal
The film explores betrayal on multiple levels, including personal relationships and hidden motives among guests. Characters frequently manipulate the truth for personal gain, creating an environment of suspicion and danger. This theme underscores the idea that not everyone has noble intentions.
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