Appointment with Death: The Agatha Christie Film Adaptations

What "Appointment with Death" actually is

Appointment with Death is an Agatha Christie murder mystery novel published in 1938, set in the Middle East at an archaeological dig near Petra, Jordan. The story centres on a tyrannical American widow, Mrs Boynton, whose death during a desert excursion is ruled suicide—until Hercule Poirot arrives and determines it was murder. The novel has been adapted into film twice, most recently in 2023, and the story's structure and setting have made it one of Christie's most visually distinctive works.

The appeal of the novel lies in its closed-circle mystery: a small group of suspects, a remote location, and a victim whose death seems impossible to have been anything but self-inflicted. Poirot must unpick the psychology and relationships within the Boynton family to find the truth.

Key Takeaways

• The 1938 novel was first adapted into a 1988 television film starring Peter Ustinov as Poirot, made for American television.
• A second film adaptation was released in 2023, directed by James Hawes and starring Kenneth Branagh as Poirot, as part of the ongoing Branagh film series.
• Both adaptations relocate or adjust the setting and some plot details from the original novel to suit the medium and era of production.
• The novel's desert setting and archaeological backdrop distinguish it from many other Poirot mysteries adapted for screen.

The 1988 television adaptation with Peter Ustinov

The first film version aired in 1988 as part of the Agatha Christie's Poirot television series produced for American television. Peter Ustinov, who had played Hercule Poirot in several earlier films, returned to the role for this adaptation. The production was shot on location and attempted to capture the exotic setting of the original novel, though with the constraints and visual style of 1980s television.

Ustinov's interpretation of Poirot in this era was more theatrical and comedic than later portrayals, and the 1988 film reflects that tone. The supporting cast included American and British actors, and the production treated the mystery as a straightforward whodunit rather than a psychological study. The film is now available through various streaming services and home video releases that specialise in classic television adaptations.

The 2023 film with Kenneth Branagh

Kenneth Branagh's 2023 version of Appointment with Death is part of his ongoing series of Agatha Christie film adaptations, which began with Murder on the Orient Express (2017) and continued with Death on the Nile (2022). This film was directed by James Hawes and released theatrically, marking a return to the big-screen treatment of Christie's work.

Branagh's Poirot is more introspective and visually stylised than Ustinov's version. The 2023 film was shot on location in Jordan, using the actual landscape near Petra to create an immersive visual experience. The cast includes Jeannie Tripplehorn as Mrs Boynton and a ensemble of British and international actors. The film emphasises the psychological complexity of the mystery and the moral ambiguity of the characters' motivations.

How the adaptations differ from the novel

Both film versions make changes to Christie's original text, as is standard practice in adapting novels for screen. The 1988 television film compresses some subplots and adjusts the pacing to fit the television format. Character backstories are sometimes simplified, and certain plot threads are either removed or combined to streamline the narrative.

The 2023 Branagh film takes more substantial creative liberties. It expands certain character relationships, adds visual sequences that have no equivalent in the novel, and adjusts the timeline of events. The film also emphasises the visual spectacle of the Jordanian landscape, which becomes almost a character in itself. These changes reflect Branagh's directorial approach across his Christie adaptations: treating the source material as a foundation for a more cinematic and visually ambitious interpretation.

Why the setting matters to the story

The Middle Eastern desert location is integral to the mystery itself. The remote archaeological site limits the suspects to a fixed group, and the harsh environment creates psychological pressure that influences behaviour. The isolation also means that help is distant, which affects how the characters respond to Mrs Boynton's death and how Poirot conducts his investigation.

Both film adaptations recognise this importance and invest in depicting the landscape authentically. The 1988 version uses location shooting to establish atmosphere, while the 2023 film uses the Jordanian setting as a visual anchor for the entire narrative. The desert becomes a place where secrets are exposed and where the characters' true natures emerge under stress.

Where to watch each version

The 1988 Peter Ustinov version is available through streaming services that carry classic television, including some dedicated to Agatha Christie adaptations. It is also released on DVD through various distributors. Availability varies by region and subscription service, so checking your local streaming platform or library is the fastest way to locate it.

The 2023 Kenneth Branagh film was released theatrically and is now available on digital platforms, Blu-ray, and DVD. It is also available through some streaming services, though availability depends on your location and current licensing agreements. The film was distributed by 20th Century Studios, so checking their official channels or major streaming platforms will show current availability in your area.

How these adaptations fit into the broader Poirot on screen

Hercule Poirot has been adapted for film and television more frequently than almost any other Christie character. Peter Ustinov played the detective in multiple films across the 1970s and 1980s, while David Suchet portrayed Poirot in the long-running ITV television series that ran from 1989 to 2013. Kenneth Branagh's film series represents the most recent major interpretation, with a focus on theatrical release and visual spectacle.

Each actor and era brings a different sensibility to the character. Ustinov emphasised Poirot's eccentricity and charm, Suchet grounded the character in psychological realism, and Branagh presents Poirot as a more tormented and visually stylised figure. Appointment with Death exists within these different interpretations, and watching both versions offers insight into how the same story can be told in entirely different ways depending on the actor, director, and era of production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 film a remake of the 1988 version?

No. Both are separate adaptations of the same 1938 Agatha Christie novel. They were made 35 years apart, with different casts, directors, and creative approaches. The 2023 film is not based on the 1988 version; both draw directly from Christie's source material.

Do I need to read the novel to understand either film?

No. Both films are self-contained mysteries that work as standalone stories. Reading the novel beforehand is not necessary, though it may enhance your appreciation of how each adaptation interprets Christie's original plot and characters.

Which version is more faithful to the book?

The 1988 television film stays closer to the novel's plot structure and character arcs, though it condenses some elements. The 2023 Branagh film takes more creative liberties with the story while maintaining the core mystery. Neither is a word-for-word adaptation; both make changes suited to their medium and era.

Can I watch the Branagh version without seeing his other Christie films?

Yes. Each Branagh film is a standalone mystery with its own cast and story. While Branagh plays Poirot in all of them, there is no ongoing narrative that requires you to watch them in order. You can start with Appointment with Death without having seen Murder on the Orient Express or Death on the Nile.

Why was the story adapted twice?

Agatha Christie's novels have been adapted repeatedly across different eras because they are considered classic mysteries with enduring appeal. The 1988 version was made when television was the primary medium for such adaptations, while the 2023 version reflects the current trend toward theatrical releases and cinematic interpretations of literary classics.