Netflix has adapted one of the Master of Mysteries’ works into a new limited series. Although Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials is the second book in the series, it is the first to receive an adaptation. Set in 1925, at a lavish English country house, a practical joke turns into a murder gone awry. It is up to one of the unlikely sleuths, the inquisitive Lady Eileen “Bundle” Brent (played by Mia McKenna-Bruce, known for The Dumping Ground and Tracy Beaker Returns), to unravel the chilling plot that will change her life.

​

Seven Dials is a limited three-episode series that is most likely intended as a light “whodunit,” despite there being murder involved. Other cast members include Helena Bonham Carter, Martin Freeman, Edward Bluemel, and Iain Glenn, along with a host of co-actors filling in the roles of friends, helpers, and ultimately suspicious figures.

​

Lady Eileen is the central protagonist driving the investigation into the murder of her friend. Despite the actress being in her late twenties, she often looks about fifteen, which can be slightly distracting. When she dresses up for a party, her appearance resembles that of an adult, but at other times she seems considerably younger. Her age, however, is not essential to the plot; perhaps the makers are trying to show that she can hold herself as an equal among those much older than her, including many of her friends.

​

The writing includes a good deal of snarky comedy, greatly reducing any threat or menace that could have been created by the murder and the mysterious identity of the Seven Dials. I do enjoy the presence of a cult-like group or shadowy organization in the background. That kind of ambiguous threat, mixed with cloak-and-dagger elements, is always intriguing and engaging.

​

Martin Freeman (known for Sherlock, The Hobbit trilogy, and Fargo) plays Superintendent Battle, who investigates the murder. His association with McKenna-Bruce’s “Bundle” is both funny and slightly strange. He adds order and credibility to the investigation, grounding the chaos. Bundle, on the other hand, is quite imposing, interjecting herself into every aspect of the case. Freeman’s visible dismay strikes a balance between annoyance and concern, preventing his character from becoming too domineering.

​

Several other characters share in the humour, mostly delivered in that dry British manner. One of them is Alex Macqueen as George Lomax, who embodies a somewhat misogynistic and out-of-touch male identity of the time. He attempts to soften his offensiveness without erasing the reality of how many men viewed women during that era. His awkwardness makes him the centre of his own jokes.

​

The absolute standout in terms of sarcasm is Helena Bonham Carter (known for A Room with a View, Lady Jane, and Howards End) as Lady Caterham, Bundle’s mother. She dislikes socializing, going outside, and generally cannot be bothered to care. Whenever she delivers her lines, she creates the impression that her character would rather be anywhere else than where she is—being talked at or forced into conversation. I do wish she had been given more screen time, as her cynicism was deeply entertaining.

​

As for the actual murder mystery, the plot is not overly complex. The culprits are somewhat obvious, though their actions are not so blatant that everything can be predicted from the very beginning. The series focuses more on its characters and only somewhat on the mystery, rather than being entirely consumed by intricate riddles. The mystery unfolds gradually, transporting us from one location and time period to another.

​

From a production standpoint, the setting is excellent. The manor house is massive and sprawling, surrounded by lush green countryside. Some scenes are filmed using unusual angles, but they are creatively employed to make the audience feel slightly unsettled and on edge.

​

Though Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials is not as heavy as some of her other mystery stories, it features an impressive cast and an easy-to-follow whodunit, making it a quick binge-watch. Even with somewhat obvious arcs and lingering vagueness surrounding the mystery of the Seven Dials, the humour and intrigue blend well to create a puzzling tale that does not take itself too seriously. There is a bit of profanity and violence involved.

​

Overall, I would rate it 7.5 out of 10, largely because of Helena Bonham Carter’s and Martin Freeman’s characters.