The Thursday Murder Club movie trailer is finally here, and I’ve got thoughts. I’ve watched it a few times (okay, maybe more than a few), and honestly, this post turned into a bit of a The Thursday Murder Club film breakdown, because there’s a lot to unpack!
The main goal is break down some of the key scenes, share what stood out, and compare the trailer’s vibe to the book, what feels accurate, what doesn’t, and how well those quick glimpses match the story we know. If you’ve read the novel, you’ll definitely spot some familiar faces and settings, and maybe a few surprises too.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
The Thursday Murder Club Official Trailer
Trailer Breakdown: Key Moments
The trailer gives us just a few minutes of footage, but there’s already a lot to unpack. Here are the key moments that stood out, and what they might tell us about how The Thursday Murder Club will come to life on screen.
Coopers Chase & the Cold Case
The trailer opens with a clear view of Coopers Chase, the upscale retirement community where our main characters live. Helen Mirren (Elizabeth) introduces a cold case from 1973. We flash back to the 70’s and see a woman stabbed under the ribs, falling down the stairs, while a man watches.
Inside the Jigsaw Room
Back in the present, Elizabeth, Ron, and Ibrahim are in the Jigsaw Room discussing the case. Joyce enters the room with what seems to be her daughter. She’s surprised to see the investigation board, and the others quickly pretend they’re doing something else to hide the case.
Quick Cuts & Clues
A fast montage follows: Elizabeth examines something with a magnifying glass, and we see an old skeleton being zipped into a bag.
Ron Leads a Protest
Ron organises a protest near the cemetery that Ian Ventham plans to destroy for more development. Other residents join in with signs while Ron takes charge of the moment.
Small Moments with the Team
We get a few brief clips of Joyce, Elizabeth, and Ibrahim interacting, then a shot of the group walking in pajamas, discussing a real murder.
A Real Case Emerges
We see a bloody hand cutting roses, police putting tape around a gate, and a body on the ground. Joyce lights up at the idea of a real murder to solve, while the others react with much less enthusiasm.
Donna, Secrets & Suspense
DCI Donna De Freitas makes an appearance. Ron and Ibrahim look puzzled by something they spot on the ground during the protest. Meanwhile, Elizabeth makes a tense phone call in the dark as someone walks behind her. We also catch a quick glimpse of a necklace with the initials “TMC.”
Driving, Clues & the Final Shot
Joyce, Ibrahim, Ron, and Elizabeth walk down a corridor as Elizabeth holds a folder. Then Elizabeth speeds through the streets in a nice sport car, with Donna De Freitas by her side. The trailer ends with someone holding a magnifier over a jigsaw puzzle that says The Thursday Murder Club.
Trailer vs. Book: Notable Differences
Alright, I noticed quite a few differences here. I’ll walk you through all of them, then share my first impressions and thoughts on The Thursday Murder Club movie trailer, how accurate it feels compared to the book, and what we might expect from the full film.
Coopers Chase Setting
- Trailer: Shown as a single luxurious building.
- Book: Described as a retirement village built around a central hub (a former convent), with individual houses and flats, plus shared facilities like a restaurant, pool, and recreation areas.
- Possible reason for the change: Simplifying the setting to one location likely makes it easier to film and keeps all characters interacting in the same space, enhancing group dynamics.
The 1973 Cold Case
- Trailer: A woman is stabbed and falls from a window; a man witnesses it.
- Book: The victim, is stabbed inside her home. Her boyfriend calls the police, claiming he saw an intruder and tried to stop him, but couldn’t save her. She dies from her injuries. There’s no window fall or witness scene in the book.
- Possible reason for the change: A dramatic visual (like falling from a window) adds tension and visual impact.
Joyce’s Introduction to the Club
- Trailer: Joyce enters the Jigsaw Room with her daughter Joanna and is surprised by the investigation board.
- Book: Elizabeth personally invites Joyce to join the group; there’s no secrecy or surprise, the group welcomes her openly.
- Possible reason for the change: Adding an element of surprise and making Joyce’s discovery feel more accidental may help create a stronger sense of secrecy around the club.
The Cemetery Protest
- Trailer: A coordinated outdoor protest with signs, led by Ron.
- Book: The confrontation happens more organically on the day the workers arrive to begin moving the old nuns’ cemetery. The protest isn’t pre-planned, Ron naturally steps into a leadership role. Residents set up tables, serve tea, and casually occupy the space with everyday activities, effectively preventing the workers from starting the job.
- Possible reason for the change: A visual protest scene is more engaging on screen and quickly communicates Ron’s activist spirit and leadership.
Elizabeth Driving With Donna De Freitas
- Trailer: Elizabeth drives a car at high speed with PCI Donna de Freitas as a passenger.
- Book: The group usually takes buses or taxis, and when they do need a driver, it’s typically Ibrahim. Elizabeth is never shown driving like this in the book.
- Possible reason for the change: Adding a fast-driving scene gives Elizabeth more of a “badass former spy” vibe.
TMC Necklaces
- Trailer: Main characters are seen wearing necklaces with the initials “TMC.”
- Book: There’s no mention of a necklace, TMC or otherwise, in the novel. The book focuses on character dynamics, settings, and the unfolding mystery, but doesn’t reference any jewellery or symbolic accessories.
- Possible reason for the change: The necklace may have been added as a visual cue to reinforce the club’s importance among its members, and will likely serve as a symbol of Joyce’s acceptance into the group.
Thursday Murder Club Film Breakdown What I Loved (and What I’m Not Sure About Yet)
Right, should I start by saying I’m a massive fan of The Thursday Murder Club series? Because I am, a true die-hard. And honestly? I’m not totally sold on the vibe the trailer is giving off. That’s why I couldn’t resist doing a proper The Thursday Murder Club film breakdown to figure out what’s working and what feels a little off.
I get that it’s tough to adapt a book like this for the screen, especially one with so many characters and plot threads. They’ve got to fit it all into a two-hour movie, and that’s no easy task.
That said, the trailer gave me RED (2010) energy, you know, the retired-people-with-secrets kind of action comedy? Funnily enough, Helen Mirren was in RED too, and now here she is again.
What’s bugging me: Elizabeth, behind the wheel of a sports car, speeding and pulling slick manoeuvres? That’s where I draw the line. The heart of The Thursday Murder Club is its cozy mystery charm, like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) meets espionage. In the book, the characters ride buses to the village, take trains, do Pilates, and gossip over tea with lemon drizzle cake. That’s the charm, that’s the whole point.
Now let’s talk about Joyce, I can see what they’re doing with her, positioning her as the underdog outsider who wins the group over with charm and wit. Honestly, I don’t hate that choice. My guess is that the “TMC” necklace we glimpse in one quick shot is part of her official acceptance into the club. It actually works, story-wise, and I think it’ll be really fun to watch her become part of the gang.
Richard Osman on the Adaptation
Richard Osman has openly acknowledged that The Thursday Murder Club movie won’t be an exact replica of the book, and he’s completely okay with that. He’s explained that adapting a novel for the screen naturally involves changes, and while the film is based on the first book, it won’t follow every detail to the letter.
He sold the rights to Amblin (yes, Spielberg’s company) before the book was even published and agreed not to have full creative control. The script is written by others, and Osman has chosen to stay hands-off to let the film stand on its own. Though he visited the set and has a small voice cameo, he opted out of a physical appearance to avoid distracting from the story.
While he hasn’t addressed specific changes, he’s expressed full confidence in the team, saying Spielberg knows how to make a great film. His approach is simple: “I write the book, they make the movie.”
My Final Thoughts
What made The Thursday Murder Club so special, and so beloved, was its warmth, wit, and quiet charm. I just really hope the film doesn’t trade that cozy, clever energy for flashy action scenes that miss the point. We don’t need explosions or car chases. We need heart, humour, and just enough murder to keep things interesting. That’s the magic of the book, and I truly hope the movie remembers that.
After going through this Thursday Murder Club film breakdown, I’d love to hear what you think.
Did the trailer match the vibe of the book for you? Are you excited, unsure, or somewhere in between? Drop your thoughts in the comments — let’s chat all things Thursday Murder Club!
