For any discerning viewer, committing to a new television series requires a few essential ingredients: a stellar cast to become utterly absorbed in, costumes that spark serious wardrobe envy, and sumptuous locations that ignite a desire to travel. If the story is also set in a captivating bygone era, then the deal is truly sealed.
Happily, Netflix's latest foray into the cosy crime genre, 'Agatha Christie's Seven Dials', delivers on every single count. This lavish three-part series, adapted from the Queen of Crime's 1929 novel, promises to be the next big obsession for period drama and mystery fans alike.
A Star-Studded Cast Unravels a Country House Mystery
The story, adapted by 'Broadchurch' creator and devoted Christie fan Chris Chibnall, transports us to 1925. A seemingly harmless prank at a glamorous English country house party takes a deadly turn, leaving one guest dead by morning. Enter the unlikely sleuth: Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent, played with verve by rising star Mia McKenna-Bruce.
Bundle is no wallflower. Determined to uncover the truth, she plunges into a shadowy criminal underworld, all while looking impeccably chic. The series boasts an enviable supporting cast, including Helena Bonham Carter as Bundle's mother, Lady Caterham, and Martin Freeman as the dogged Superintendent Battle. The party guest list is filled with familiar faces like Edward Bluemel, Nabhaan Rizwan, and Corey Mylchreest, ensuring plenty of intrigue and suspicion.
The 'Bundle Bob': 1920s Haircut Steals the Scene
While Bundle's detective skills are sharp, her style is arguably just as compelling. As she speeds around in a classic Lagonda, her wardrobe—a must-have checked coat and matching bucket hat—is a masterclass in 1920s-inspired sleuthing attire. Yet, it's her haircut that has become a genuine scene-stealer and a major talking point.
Dubbed the 'Bundle Bob', this clean, 1920s-inspired haircut was the work of Sean Paul Nother at London's Hair Bros salon. Series makeup and hair designer Louise Coles explained the transformation, noting that McKenna-Bruce's hair was cut from waist-length to a sharp bob. 'Mia was an absolute trooper and embraced the chop with great spirit,' Coles said.
The inspiration came from Cecil Beaton's photographs of his sisters in the 1920s. Coles and the team aimed for a cut that felt timeless and confident, with a modern, slightly '90s twist to keep it accessible. 'The cut sits just at lower-lip length, which is perfect for adding volume to finer hair and is side-parted for that unmistakable 1920s elegance,' she added. The result was a style designed to 'move, fall and flatter effortlessly'.
Considering the Chop? Here's Expert Advice
For viewers inspired by Bundle's iconic look, Louise Coles offers some sage advice. If it's your first time going short, she recommends seeking out a skilled salon. 'There are endless ways to cut and style a bob, but the secret is listening to what your hair naturally wants to do,' Coles advises.
'A bob should be tailored – some people shine with a cheek-length cut, others with something closer to the chin. It has to be bespoke,' she emphasises. The ultimate goal? A style that is low-maintenance and grows out beautifully, allowing you to channel that effortless 1920s elegance long after the credits roll on this captivating cosy crime mystery.
