“It’s a whodunnit. You’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.”
Growing up poring over Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes novels, I always dreamed of solving mysteries. My birthdays often featured spy kits, and the whodunnit quickly became one of my favourite genres. There is something cosy about these crime stories that goes beyond their typical settings, whether a grand manor house or the cold, rainy British countryside. I’ve always found it comforting that the very worst thing happens at the beginning with the discovery of the body, and from there, you can immerse yourself in unravelling the mystery alongside the detective.
This love has translated, as I have got older, into films and TV shows, and it has maintained its position as one of the UK’s most beloved genres. Even when the films are not necessarily amazing—think Gal Gadot and “enough champagne to fill the Nile”—and even though the reveal of the murderer rarely comes as much of a surprise, there is an irresistible charm in the wit and eccentric characters that keeps us coming back for more.
On the big screen, films like Knives Out and See How They Run have reignited the genre’s popularity, drawing audiences back to cinemas for two hours of fun. These films succeed not just because of their clever plots but also because of their vibrant characters and stylish touches. Who could forget Chris Evans’ now-iconic sweater, Saoirse Ronan’s tiny blue car, or Harris Dickinson’s pre-Babygirl charm?
One of the genre’s recent triumphs is Only Murders in the Building, whose fourth season aired in late 2024, earning 21 Emmy nominations—the third highest for any series this year. While it did not win any major awards, it is hard to fault the dynamic trio of Selena Gomez, Martin Short, and Steve Martin as they dart around New York City piecing together clues. However, as a devoted fan who has watched every episode weekly since its debut, I could not help but feel that the show lost some of its original charm this season. Despite fun cameos from Melissa McCarthy and Eugene Levy, and Martin and Short’s banter, the show seemed to stray from its roots. At its best, Only Murders is a classic whodunnit grounded in the quirky residents of the Arconia. Unfortunately, this season kept meaningful clues too sparse, only delivering them in the penultimate episode, but I am still looking forward to seeing what the trio get up to next.
Like the rest of the nation, I have also found myself obsessing over the latest series of The Traitors and often rearranging social events to align with my strict schedule of sitting down between 9 and 10 pm, Wednesday to Friday, to see who will be banished and murdered next. The series, loosely based on the popular party game Mafia, has gained global popularity, with versions in the US, Australia, and beyond. Unlike other competition shows, like Britain’s Got Talent or The X Factor, The Traitors has successfully hooked its audience with players’ success reliant entirely on strategy, betrayal, and gameplay—all hallmarks of the whodunnit genre. Featuring contestants like a secret priest, a retired opera singer, and an ostracised doctor, there is something thrilling about watching contestants plot against each other and easily betray those around them. Whilst it is entertaining to watch, I am more than certain that I would crack under the pressure no matter whether I was a faithful or a traitor, although it might be worth it for the opportunity to ask Claudia where she buys her jumpers.
The genre continues to thrive, with several exciting releases slated for 2025. Knives Out 3: Wake Up Dead Man wrapped filming in August, and if it is anything like the last two, we can expect a star-studded cast, beautiful settings, and Daniel Craig’s take on a southern drawl. Already confirmed to be joining the cast line-up are Andrew Scott, Josh O’Connor, and Glenn Close. Also expected to be released this year is Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club. The cast includes Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie, with the likes of David Tennant and Naomi Ackie forming the supporting cast. It is certain to be another success for Netflix and a standout in the genre.
While some may argue that “once you have seen one whodunnit, you have seen them all,” I am delighted by the genre’s predictability. There is something profoundly satisfying about the mix of clever puzzles, larger-than-life characters, and the reassurance that justice will prevail. I, for one, cannot wait to see what 2025 has in store for the whodunnit.
“Question mark” by konradfoerstner is licensed under CC BY 2.0.