“Murder never takes a holiday — and neither do these detectives.”
Nearly four years after the debut of The Thursday Murder Club (2022) charmed audiences with its quirky mix of wit, intrigue, and old-school detective work, the gang of octogenarians returns in Christmas at Coopers Chase (2026) for a holiday mystery that is as clever as it is festive. The original film, based on Richard Osman’s bestselling novel, introduced us to Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Joyce (Celia Imrie), Ron (David Bradley), and Ibrahim (Samuel West) — four retirees whose leisurely lives at Coopers Chase Retirement Village took a thrilling turn when they began solving cold cases for fun. The first movie delighted viewers with its blend of cozy humor, surprising twists, and sharp social commentary, earning critical acclaim and a strong box office showing, grossing $72 million worldwide against a modest budget — proof that audiences were hungry for smart, character-driven mysteries.
In Christmas at Coopers Chase, the stakes are higher, the humor sharper, and the snow-covered village hides secrets as cold as the December air. When a famous celebrity writer is found dead under mysterious circumstances during the holiday season, Elizabeth, now more cunning than ever, reunites her team to untangle a web of lies, grudges, and hidden motives. Mirren delivers a masterclass in subtlety and menace, balancing charm with razor-sharp deductive skill that keeps both characters and audience guessing.
The ensemble cast returns in full force, each character bringing a distinct flavor to the investigation. Pierce Brosnan plays a suave yet suspicious guest whose polished exterior masks a labyrinth of secrets. Jim Broadbent adds a layer of lovable chaos as the oddball retired detective with a knack for accidentally uncovering critical clues. Celia Imrie, as Joyce, proves that underestimated forces can pack the deadliest punch when combined with keen observation, while Ben Kingsley rounds out the team as a gentleman whose quiet intelligence belies a mind always three steps ahead of everyone else.
Where the original film relied on the charm of the protagonists and the puzzle-like nature of its mystery, this installment expands the scope. Snowstorms delay the investigation, secret holiday affairs complicate motives, and the killer seems always to be hiding in plain sight. Director Simon Curtis employs sweeping winter cinematography, contrasting the idyllic Coopers Chase village with the chilling brutality of murder, while Osman’s narrative structure is faithfully preserved — each scene layered with foreshadowing, red herrings, and character-driven humor that never feels forced.
The film’s strength lies not only in its mystery but also in its exploration of friendship, aging, and ingenuity. The Thursday Murder Club members are more than amateur sleuths; they are friends whose lives, enriched by decades of experience, allow them to see beyond the obvious, read between the lines, and challenge societal assumptions about aging and relevance. Their camaraderie adds heart to the suspense, making every twist a delight rather than a simple plot device.
Audience Clarification
While Christmas at Coopers Chase carries all the familiar hallmarks of the beloved series, some viewers should note that the original cast has seen slight updates for logistical and narrative reasons. Samuel West, who played Ibrahim in the first film, is replaced in this sequel due to scheduling conflicts, with Kingsley’s character taking on additional narrative significance to maintain ensemble balance. Additionally, while the story is inspired by Richard Osman’s second book in the series, the screenplay introduces original subplots and festive elements tailored for cinematic storytelling, particularly the holiday-themed complications and the snowstorm-driven suspense.
In short, audiences can expect:
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A complex, cleverly written mystery filled with red herrings and sharp dialogue
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Stellar performances from Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Jim Broadbent, Celia Imrie, and Ben Kingsley
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A festive setting that contrasts holiday cheer with chilling suspense
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The trademark humor, heart, and character depth that made the first film a hit
The Thursday Murder Club: Christmas at Coopers Chase (2026) promises not just another whodunit, but a celebration of friendship, wit, and the idea that age is no barrier to brilliance — proving once again that in Coopers Chase, murder may take a holiday, but the detectives never do.
