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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Murder on the Orient Express (2017). 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.


In 1934, the renowned detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) finds himself entangled in a perplexing theft case at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. A man marked by his obsessive-compulsive tendencies, Poirot strives for balance in his life and views his extraordinary skill to uncover lies amid truths as somewhat of a curse. While yearning for some peace in Istanbul, he is compelled to return to London to tackle yet another mystery. His close friend, Bouc (Tom Bateman), who manages the Orient Express, extends an invitation for him to stay aboard the illustrious train.

Amidst this setting, businessman Samuel Ratchett (Johnny Depp) solicits Poirot’s services as a bodyguard during their three-day voyage, fearing threats he has received from an anonymous source. Poirot, however, declines this job. That very night, he becomes alert to peculiar sounds emanating from Ratchett’s cabin and witnesses a mysterious figure clad in a red kimono dashing down the corridor. Suddenly, tragedy strikes when an avalanche derails the train, trapping the passengers in its grip.

The following morning unveils the shocking news that Ratchett has been brutally murdered, stabbed multiple times during the night. Teaming up with Bouc, Poirot begins to unearth the identities and alibis of the passengers as repairs to the train get underway. Evidence points towards a single perpetrator responsible for Ratchett’s demise, with Caroline Hubbard (Michelle Pfeiffer) asserting that someone had entered her compartment, providing a potential route for the murderer into Ratchett’s space.

Poirot’s investigation reveals a partially ruined note linking Ratchett to the infamous kidnapping of Daisy Armstrong, a little girl who was taken from her home for ransom and later discovered dead despite the payment being made. Ratchett is exposed as John Cassetti, the very man responsible for Daisy’s abduction and murder. The heartbreaking repercussions of Daisy’s death led to her mother’s tragic demise during childbirth and her father’s subsequent suicide. The case deepens further with the shocking revelation of the nursemaid Susanne, who was wrongfully accused and later took her own life after being unjustly incarcerated.

The train compartments were securely locked that night, leaving only the individuals within that compartment as potential suspects. Even a guard confirmed he saw no one enter Ratchett’s cabin during the crucial time. An analysis of Ratchett’s coffee indicates it was drugged, yet his valet Henry remains in the dark about how it occurred before or after it was served to Ratchett. As new evidence surfaces, including a bloodied handkerchief and a button from a conductor’s uniform found in Hubbard’s room, the mystery intensifies further. Hubbard gets attacked but survives, leaving Poirot grasping at the threads of a complex narrative.

Not long after, Poirot engages in interviews with various suspects, including Mary Debenham (Daisy Ridley), where tension escalates when John Arbuthnot nearly shoots Poirot, only to clarify his intent was not to kill but to assert a point. With each interaction, hidden connections to the Armstrong family emerge, weaving a dense tapestry that Poirot meticulously unravels.

Eventually, he confronts the passengers with two potential theories regarding Ratchett’s death. The simpler one suggests that an outsider masquerading as the conductor carried out the murder, while the more intricate theory indicates that all present had a personal connection to the Armstrong tragedy, yielding a collective motive against Cassetti. In a stunning turn, it becomes evident that Hubbard is actually Linda Arden, a former celebrated actress and mother to Sonia Armstrong, who orchestrated the murder plot alongside the other suspects.

Poirot further uncovers deep links among the passengers to the Armstrong family. Hector Willard MacQueen (Josh Gad), Ratchett’s loyal secretary, bears connections through his father to the kidnapping case, fueling his rage against Cassetti. The plot thickens with revelations about Edward Henry Masterman, Colonel Armstrong’s batman and later servant, and Colonel Arbuthnot, a trusted friend of Armstrong. They all share intertwined histories of grief and vengeance stemming from the past.

Ultimately, as Poirot pieces together this complex puzzle, he challenges the suspects, proposing that all of them took part in Ratchett’s death, each delivering a blow to reserve their collective secret. Tragically, at the conclusion of this moral dilemma, Poirot realizes that true justice will elude him. Cassetti’s crimes justified his death, leaving Poirot to bear the weight of a lie on his mind. He presents a solitary killer theory to the authorities, facilitating the passengers’ escape. As the train gets back on its course, a messenger approaches Poirot, requesting his expertise on a death that has occurred on the Nile, prompting Poirot to take on yet another complex investigation.

Timeline

Track the key events of Murder on the Orient Express (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Poirot's Encounter in Jerusalem

In 1934, renowned detective Hercule Poirot finds himself investigating a perplexing theft case at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. His obsessive-compulsive tendencies drive him to seek balance in life, yet his extraordinary skill in uncovering lies often feels like a curse.

1934 Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

Return to London

After yearning for peace in Istanbul, Poirot is compelled to return to London to tackle yet another mystery. His close friend Bouc, who manages the Orient Express, invites him to stay aboard the illustrious train, where the next series of events will unfold.

Orient Express

Ratchett's Request

Onboard the train, business magnate Samuel Ratchett solicits Poirot's services as a bodyguard due to threats he's been receiving from an unknown source. Poirot declines the offer but remains alert and aware of the unusual happenings surrounding Ratchett.

Orient Express

The Mysterious Figure

That very night, Poirot is drawn to strange sounds coming from Ratchett's cabin. Before he can investigate further, a shadowy figure in a red kimono rushes past him in the corridor, heightening the tension and suspense onboard the express train.

Night Orient Express

Avalanche Disaster

Tragedy strikes when an avalanche derails the train, trapping all passengers within. The sense of danger escalates as the survivors must navigate this fresh threat while the circumstances surrounding Ratchett’s presence onboard remain mysterious.

Mountains

Discovery of the Murder

The following morning reveals the shocking fact that Ratchett has been brutally murdered in his cabin, stabbed multiple times during the night. With his friend Bouc, Poirot immediately begins to investigate the identities and alibis of the stranded passengers.

Morning Orient Express

Clue from Caroline Hubbard

During the investigation, Caroline Hubbard claims that someone entered her compartment during the night, suggesting a potential route for the murderer. This leads Poirot to consider the possibility that the murderer is among the passengers currently trapped on the train.

Orient Express

Unraveling the Background

Poirot discovers a ruined note linking Ratchett to the infamous kidnapping case of Daisy Armstrong, which turns out to be a pivotal detail. He learns that Ratchett is actually John Cassetti, the very man responsible for Daisy's abduction and eventual murder.

Orient Express

Tragic Repercussions

The investigation reveals the heartbreaking consequences of Daisy's death, including her mother's tragic demise during childbirth and her father's suicide that followed. These revelations deepen the emotional complexity of the case and highlight the motives of those involved.

Compromised Evidence

Poirot learns that the train compartments were securely locked on the night of the murder, leaving only the passengers within the car as suspects. Despite the guard's claims of not seeing anyone enter Ratchett’s cabin, Poirot's analysis leads him to suspect foul play.

Orient Express

Intriguing Interviews

As the investigation unfolds, Poirot conducts interviews with various suspects, including Mary Debenham. Tensions rise dramatically when John Arbuthnot brandishes a firearm, although he quickly clarifies his intent is not murder but to emphasize a point.

Orient Express

Emergence of Hidden Connections

With each interview, Poirot uncovers hidden ties between the suspects and the Armstrong family, weaving a complex narrative of grief and revenge. The interconnected histories of the individuals aboard the train create a dense tapestry that Poirot strives to unravel.

Orient Express

Two Theories Presented

Eventually, Poirot confronts the passengers with two theories regarding Ratchett’s murder. The simpler theory suggests an outside killer, while the more intricate one implicates everyone present, revealing their personal connections and motives against Cassetti.

Orient Express

The Final Revelation

In a stunning twist, it becomes clear that Hubbard, posing as a mere passenger, is actually Linda Arden, mother to Sonia Armstrong. She orchestrated the murder alongside the other suspects, which reveals the meticulous planning behind the act of vengeance.

Orient Express

Moral Dilemma Resolved

Faced with the truth, Poirot realizes that true justice will elude him as he presents a singular killer theory to authorities. Understanding that the collective actions of the passengers were justified by Cassetti's past, he lets them escape, facing the weight of a lie.

Orient Express

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Murder on the Orient Express (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Gerhard Hardman

Gerhard Hardman is a key supporting character, known for his clever insights and role in the unfolding mystery. His connections and observations provide crucial information that aids Poirot in navigating the investigation. With a keen understanding of human behavior, he serves as a valuable ally in unraveling the complex web of lies.

🕵️‍♂️ Detective 📖 Insightful

Miss Mary Debenham

Miss Mary Debenham is a poised and enigmatic character, strategically navigating the complexities of the murder investigation. With her strong demeanor, she awakens curiosity in Poirot and raises questions about her true involvement in the events. Her character embodies strength, intelligence, and hidden depths, complicating the mystery further.

👩‍🎓 Intelligent 🎭 Mysterious

Samuel Ratchett (John Cassetti)

Samuel Ratchett, revealed to be the notorious John Cassetti, is central to the dark narrative driving the plot. His enigmatic presence and brutal murder atop the train thrust all passengers into suspicion. Through the unraveling of his past, the audience learns about the weight of guilt and the consequences of one's actions.

💼 Businessman 🚫 Villain

Caroline Hubbard (Linda Arden)

Caroline Hubbard, who is ultimately revealed as Linda Arden, is a pivotal figure in the mystery with her tumultuous emotions and motherly motivations. As a former actress, she brings charm and complexity to the investigation, representing themes of vengeance and justice. Her actions reflect a tragic drive for retribution against those who wronged her family.

🌹 Dramatic 🛡️ Vengeful

Setting

Uncover the settings of Murder on the Orient Express (2017), 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

1934

Set in 1934, the story reflects a period marked by innovation and the growing complexities of international travel. It captures the tension of a world on the brink of change, intricately woven with the shadows of past tragedies and societal expectations. During this era, the aftermath of the Great Depression influences human behavior, deepening the movie's themes of justice and morality.

Location

Orient Express, Jerusalem, Istanbul, London

The movie takes place aboard the luxurious Orient Express train, known for its elegance and historical significance. Key events unfold in major cities such as Jerusalem and Istanbul, known for their rich cultures and bustling histories. London, a city of mystery and intrigue, serves as Poirot's home base, linking the story's intricate narrative.

🚂 Train 🌍 Cities 🕌 Historic Sites

Themes

Explore the core themes of Murder on the Orient Express (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🕵️‍♂️

Justice

The theme of justice plays a pivotal role in the narrative as Poirot navigates the moral intricacies surrounding the murder of Ratchett. Throughout the investigation, characters grapple with their conflicting loyalties and the question of whether true justice can be served. The film challenges viewers to consider the gray areas between right and wrong, ultimately leaving Poirot with the realization that justice is not always black and white.

🔍

Mystery

Mystery is at the heart of the film, as Poirot unravels clues and suspects aboard the train. The tightly wound narrative reveals layers of deception and hidden motives, maintaining suspense throughout the investigation. Each character's backstory adds depth to the mystery, underscoring the complexity of human relationships and the consequences of past actions.

💔

Tragedy

The story is steeped in tragedy, primarily through the impact of Daisy Armstrong's kidnapping and its disastrous fallout. This theme resonates deeply with the characters, each haunted by the past events that shape their motivations and desires for revenge. The collective grief unites the characters in their quest for justice, reflecting on how tragedies can alter lives forever.

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