A Talent for Murder Review: Mirren Shines in Uneven Thriller

The film "A Talent for Murder," reviewed at the Toronto film festival, presents a fictionalized account of the crime author Patricia Highsmith plotting a murder alongside an ambitious editor. The review suggests that while the film aims for the intricate, talky thrills characteristic of pre-pandemic chamber pieces, it ultimately falls short of the ingenuity seen in its predecessors. The narrative structure, which relies heavily on dialogue and confined settings, is a product of the pandemic-era filmmaking trend that saw an increase in such contained stories. While some films like Kevin Williamson's "Sick" found success, others, such as Sam Levinson's "Malcolm & Marie," were criticized for their vapidity. "A Talent for Murder" attempts to join the ranks of critically acclaimed chamber dramas, drawing parallels to films like Anthony Shaffer's "Sleuth" and Sidney Lumet's adaptation of Ira Levin's "Deathtrap." These earlier works, often based on stage plays, were lauded for their clever plotting, surprising twists, and the presence of at least one demise by the conclusion. The subgenre itself is deeply indebted to Agatha Christie, who reportedly held "Sleuth" in high regard. The review implies that "A Talent for Murder" faces a high bar set by these earlier, more successful examples. The film's premise involves Highsmith, portrayed by Helen Mirren, and an editor, but the execution is described as needing a sharper edge, indicating a lack of the precise, devious plotting that defined the genre's best entries. The review notes that the film's reliance on dialogue and its contained setting are reminiscent of the "Sleuth" and "Deathtrap" mold, which often featured secrets, surprises, and reversals. However, "A Talent for Murder" is critiqued for not fully delivering on these elements, suggesting a hit-and-miss quality. The comparison to "One of My Wives Is Missing," a lesser but still twisty TV movie from the 1960s based on the play "Trap for a Single Man," further highlights the film's struggle to achieve the same level of sophisticated suspense. The review concludes that while Helen Mirren's performance as the viperous Highsmith is a strong point, the overall thriller is uneven and fails to consistently engage the audience with the kind of ingenious puzzle-solving that characterized the genre's peak.