A new Netflix crime drama has achieved a seemingly contradictory feat, shooting straight to the number one spot on the UK streaming charts while simultaneously being branded a 'snooze fest' by a vocal section of its audience.
A Chart-Topping Mystery
Agatha Christie's Seven Dials, a three-part adaptation of the author's 1929 novel, has stormed past stiff competition. It outperformed popular titles like His & Hers and Harlan Coben's Run Away to claim the top position. The series, which debuted on the platform, follows the aristocratic amateur detective Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent, played by Mia McKenna-Bruce.
Set in a lavish 1920s country house, the plot sees Bundle investigate a murder, teaming up with Scotland Yard's Superintendent Battle, portrayed by Martin Freeman. Their probe uncovers dark secrets and a conspiracy linked to the enigmatic Seven Dials society. The cast is rounded out by Helena Bonham Carter as Lady Chaterham, alongside Edward Bluemel and Corey Mylchreest.
Viewers Divided: 'Dull' or 'Well-Paced'?
Despite its chart success, the series has ignited a fierce debate among viewers on social media platform X. Many were scathing in their criticism. One user, Philip Womack, labelled it 'terrible', citing a 'creaky script and boring tropes'. Another, Amelia Hockey, argued the adaptation had removed too much from the source material, stripping it of tension and intrigue.
'How is it possible to make an Agatha Christie murder mystery dull, bland and uninteresting?' questioned user Jane Holland. Others complained about the pacing, with Toby Cook stating the second and third episodes were 'incredibly slow' and could have been condensed. The most damning reviews claimed the show was 'putting them to sleep' and a 'total waste of time'.
However, the reaction was not universally negative. Defending the series, some viewers found it 'well-paced' and a gripping whodunnit. User JoshyJoshInMD wrote: 'Highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good whodunnit. A quick three episodes that keeps your attention throughout.'
A 'Timeless' Update for Modern Audiences
The Netflix production updates Christie's Jazz Age story, blending classic country-house mystery with elements of espionage and political intrigue. In an interview, star Martin Freeman addressed the show's modern feel, attributing it to Christie's 'timeless' talent and the script's accessible humour.
'When you read the script, it doesn't feel like you need any translation from old timey stuff to now,' Freeman explained. He suggested the series retains a contemporary relevance while staying true to the spirit of the original work.
Agatha Christie's Seven Dials is now available to stream in its entirety on Netflix. Its journey to the top of the charts amidst such polarised viewer opinion highlights the unpredictable nature of streaming success and the enduring, if divisive, power of a classic murder mystery brand.
