Genre: Mystery | Comedy | Whodunit | Period Piece
See How They Run is a breezy, old-fashioned whodunit wrapped in a clever, self-aware comedy—a playful love letter to Agatha Christie-style murder mysteries and classic backstage theatrics. Released in 2022 and directed by Tom George, this film delivers all the cozy murder intrigue you’d hope for, but with a wink and a nod to the audience that keeps it feeling fresh and fun.
Set in 1950s London, the film’s story unfolds during the 100th performance of Agatha Christie’s iconic stage play The Mousetrap. When pompous American film director Leo Köpernick (Adrien Brody) turns up dead—right after scheming to adapt the play for the big screen—everyone involved becomes a suspect. The twisty, farcical plot is exactly what you’d expect from a classic murder mystery, but with an extra layer of meta-humor poking fun at whodunit clichés.
Enter Inspector Stoppard (Sam Rockwell), a gruff, perpetually weary Scotland Yard detective, and his eager rookie partner Constable Stalker (Saoirse Ronan). They’re an instantly endearing odd couple: he’s dry and disillusioned, she’s bright-eyed and relentlessly enthusiastic. Their chemistry gives the film its beating heart as they bumble through theaterland, interviewing a parade of quirky suspects, from vain actors to shady producers, all with secrets and motives.
The charm of See How They Run lies in its tone. It’s witty without trying too hard, peppered with sight gags, wordplay, and sly references that mystery fans will love. The script pokes fun at the very structure of murder mysteries—locked rooms, red herrings, final reveal scenes—while lovingly embracing them all the same. At times, it feels like Knives Out crossed with Wes Anderson, with its pastel color palette, symmetrical shots, and offbeat comic timing.
Saoirse Ronan is a delight as Constable Stalker—her relentless note-taking and accidental slip-ups are both funny and oddly touching, while Sam Rockwell grounds the silliness with his gruff charm and deadpan delivery. Supporting performances by Adrien Brody, Ruth Wilson, David Oyelowo, and Harris Dickinson round out an ensemble that clearly revels in the theatrical setting.
Visually, the film pops with mid-century London charm—velvet curtains, vintage marquees, smoky backstage corridors, and cozy pubs where secrets spill over pints. It feels like stepping into a nostalgic postcard of Britain’s golden theater era, but with a knowing grin that keeps the mood light even when the bodies drop.
If there’s a flaw, it’s that the mystery itself is intentionally secondary to the film’s playful spirit—the resolution is fun but not mind-bendingly clever. But that’s the point: See How They Run is more about the ride than the reveal, celebrating the joy of a good old-fashioned whodunit rather than trying to revolutionize the genre.
For fans of classic mysteries, witty scripts, and a bit of British theatrical flair, See How They Run is a delightful caper—smart, silly, and warm-hearted. It’s the kind of film that tips its hat to Agatha Christie with affection, invites you backstage to share in the joke, and leaves you smiling as the curtain falls.
