Towards Zero - TV Mini Series Review

The whole story of the ‘Towards Zero’ is constructed perfectly around the investigations of the crime committed by the Superintendent Battle and Inspector Leach: the murder of a widow at Gull’s Point. The complications of suicide which turns out to be a fake attempt, theft charge which the main character was falsely accused of and an affair between a tennis star and his lover cum girlfriend all combine to present a plot which actually turns out to be a murder plot. In this Agatha Christie’s story, the curiosity is being maintained all the time and the events of each episode are culminating in the final climax of the storyline. The mini-series focuses on motives of people and some actions they are capable of in an attempt to hide something or get justice for themselves. This bleak movie contains elements of introspection and the main indications of sadness together with purpose in the plot.

All the actors, such as Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Mimi Keene, Ella Lily Hyland, and Matthew Rhys, acted very well. Every actor does a great job at portraying their role; there is anxiety and conflict which reflects the social and legal issues involved. Most of the actors give subtle portrayals, which could be attributed to the varying emotional pitch the show’s narrative embraces.

Sam Yates directs ‘Towards Zero’ is a classic Christie representation, although Christie’s style is beautifully depicted in the series. He also brought the tension to the movie through effective direction which builds up suspense while giving focus on script that gives life to characters. Yates does not fail to keep his audience clamored towards the end by intertwining fascinating actions and events in the story.

The music adds to the suspense, and crucial events have an eerie background score felt and heard. Music contributes to the husky suspense and enhances the mysterious mood characterizing the series; cinematography of ‘Towards Zero’ looks gorgeous and conveys the mood through the shadows of interior and the vastness of the landscapes. There is always an emphasis on the narrative pattern within each shot, the movement in the scenes and the positions of the characters within them that enrich the atmosphere of an individual scene.

The visuals depict the period of time as well as the environment created by Agatha Christie in her piece. Objects, costumes, and backgrounds fit into the mysterious realm of crime, and viewers are thrown into the world of Gull’s Point. Altogether, both the sound and music go well with the film; tension and climax scenes are well handled in the movie. Transitions are well done, and the sequences are masterfully timed in order to keep the viewer hooked all the time.

Pacing and timing in the mini-series is steady and each episode outbursts in suspense and builds up many tracks simultaneously. Scene transitions are smooth, it never drops the high of uneasiness and provides a sequence of enlightening climaxes. People’s words in social interactions carry hidden agendas and even in statements that look innocent there is much more that can be seen by those who read between the lines.

It is in adaptation of a book for the movie where sometimes it tries to be too typical for the show business where it is based. The drama ‘Towards Zero’ is undoubtedly one of the greatest crime movies; it was slow-burning for some viewers, but for those who like to watch a strict and strict insight into the murder mystery, it is truly formidable. It is an untying of mystery that makes linkages of the unrelated string by employing a twist that has been well done. The mini-series does not deviate from the Christie practice in presenting a complex plot that any mystery enthusiast will find engaging.