A gripping Agatha Christie adaptation, which features a shocking deviation from the original novel by changing the identity of the killer, has arrived on BBC iPlayer. 'Ordeal By Innocence', first broadcast in 2018, is captivating audiences anew with its bold narrative twist and stellar cast led by Bill Nighy, 76.
A Classic Mystery Turned on Its Head
The story centres on the murder of wealthy philanthropist Rachel Argyll (Anna Chancellor) at her family estate, Sunny Point, during Christmas 1954. Her adopted son, Jack, is swiftly arrested but protests his innocence. In Christie's 1958 source material, the culprit is the family housekeeper, Kirsten Lindstrom (played by Morven Christie, 44). However, the BBC's three-part series delivers a different culprit entirely, a decision that has sparked both praise and controversy.
The series boasts impressive critical scores, holding a 7.2/10 rating on IMDb and a stellar 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers have hailed it as a top-tier British mystery, with comments praising its perfect pacing and ability to keep audiences guessing until the final, shocking reveal.
The Estate's Difficult Decision
The dramatic change to the story's conclusion was not taken lightly. James Prichard, Agatha Christie's great-grandson and chairman of her estate, revealed that allowing the BBC to alter the killer's identity was 'one of the hardest decisions' of his working life. He ultimately approved screenwriter Sarah Phelps's vision, believing his great-grandmother would have understood the need to adapt for new audiences.
Prichard stated, 'Yes, we will upset a lot of my great-grandmother's fans and to some extent I apologise to them and to some extent I don't.' The adaptation also drew some criticism for its use of expletive language, but Prichard has expressed he is now at peace with the creative choices made.
Complex Characters and Critical Acclaim
Bill Nighy, portraying Rachel's husband Leo Argyll, delved into the couple's fractured dynamic. He suggested Leo felt 'financially emasculated' by his wife's wealth and control, factors that corroded their marriage. This layered character study is part of what critics have celebrated.
At its release, the Daily Mail awarded the drama four stars, calling it a perfect example of the rich entertainment found in Christie's world. 'Ordeal By Innocence' is now available to stream in full on BBC iPlayer, offering a fresh and provocative take on a classic whodunit that promises to surprise even the most devoted mystery aficionados.
