Whether an Agatha Christie adaptation works or not frequently depends on the cast, and in the last few years, they’ve been relatively fine. Solid but nothing extraordinary. Instead, the biggest success is in See How They Run, which focuses on Mouse Trap as a stage production while exploring the whodunnit portion as a meta thrill ride outside of the stage. Still, BritBox’s Towards Zero is mostly enjoyable as it gives powerhouse performers like Anjelica Huston fantastic material to work with.
Enjoyment of the three-hour limited series might be fully dependent on whether the viewer is a fan of the genre and author or not, because it doesn’t do much that’s unique. It also isn’t the type of crime drama that’ll appeal to those who prefer something more akin to White Lotus, yet it’s still tremendously lush in its simple seaside approach.
Alongside Huston, Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero also stars Matthew Rhys, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Mimi Keene, Jack Farthing, Anjana Vasan, Clarke Peters, and Ella Lily Hyland, all of whom are stars with riveting charm to bring entertainment to our screens, even when the scene itself is a bit dull. Penned by Rachel Bennette, the adaptation mostly shines in its approach to give viewers everything we might not know we’re looking for. Towards Zero isn’t one of the Christie books I’ve read, so if the original medium is anything like the adaptation, then it’s fairly straightforward to note it’s a work worthy of keeping viewers interested. Despite the pacing issues that make the final episode feel longer than it needs to be, how we get to the end is thoroughly and thoughtfully earned.
It wouldn’t be me if I didn’t mention the exceptional Matthew Rhys delivers as Inspector Leach. It so often feels like Rhys is consistently delivering one brilliant performance after another in properties that seldom go mainstream, which is so frustrating when his work is almost integral to ensuring the film or series is a hit. (See Death Comes to Pemberley.) From the moment he steps onto our screen to the final shot of him, Rhys delivers a haunting, nuanced performance that’s evocative and memorable.
The same can be said about nearly everyone in the cast, which is exactly why Towards Zero is so easy to watch despite its flaws. You want to see what these characters will do and how they’ll do them, but it’s also so easy to want to analyze the performances and recognize how the actors are escaping into the role. The limited series’ gorgeously scenic shots and costumes also play a vast role in making it an adaptation that’s easy on the eyes. The lush approach to the quietly loud mystery makes the three episodes feel both fresh and timeless, making it a period piece that checks most of the more exciting boxes.
While it certainly could’ve been better, Towards Zero is still a series worth checking out. There’s a great deal to appreciate in the details and the more spoiler-filled moments that could provide engaging conversations.
Towards Zero is now playing on BritBox.