Netflix's latest foray into classic literature, the murder mystery series Seven Dials, has swiftly climbed to the summit of the platform's viewing charts. However, this success is tempered by a significant wave of viewer dissatisfaction, with many labelling the adaptation as tedious and sleep-inducing.
A Classic Tale Reimagined
Based on Agatha Christie's 1929 novel of the same name, the series transports audiences to a lavish 1920s country house setting. The plot centres on the intrepid Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent, portrayed by Mia McKenna-Bruce, who finds herself investigating a sinister murder. She is joined in her sleuthing by Scotland Yard's Superintendent Battle, played by Martin Freeman. Together, they delve into a web of dark secrets that appears to connect the killing to the mysterious and elusive Seven Dials society.
Stellar Cast and Critical Praise
The production boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Helena Bonham Carter in the role of Bundle's mother, the witty Lady Chaterham. The series has not been without its champions. The Daily Mail's television critic, Christopher Stephens, awarded it a five-star rating, describing the show as "marvellous." He praised its opening sequence, comparing the vibrant, debauched house party atmosphere to "Downton Abbey if Lord Grantham got smashed on champagne and absinthe." Stephens highlighted Bonham Carter's performance as a particular joy, noting her delivery of the funniest lines.
Viewer Backlash: "Putting Me to Sleep"
Despite its chart-topping performance and critical acclaim from some quarters, a vocal segment of the audience has expressed profound disappointment. The primary complaint centres on the adaptation's pacing and its perceived departure from the tension and intrigue of Christie's original work.
On social media platform X, viewers have been forthright in their criticism. One user lamented, "I’m not normally a book adaptation purist but Seven Dials on Netflix has taken out so much from the original that all the tension, intrigue and fun have gone, which in a murder mystery is quite important." Another posed the rhetorical question, "How is it possible to make an Agatha Christie murder mystery dull, bland and uninteresting?"
Further criticisms have branded the series "terrible," citing a "creaky script and boring tropes." Multiple viewers have commented on the slow pace, with one noting, "This new Seven Dials adaptation is incredibly slow in the second and third episodes. Could have been two episodes. Drawwwwwn outttttttttttt." Perhaps the most damning review simply stated, "Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials is so boring. It’s putting me to sleep."
Star's Journey: From Child Actor to Leading Lady
Amid the discourse surrounding the series, lead actress Mia McKenna-Bruce has opened up about her personal journey to this role. The 28-year-old actress, best known for her childhood role on the BBC's Tracy Beaker Returns, revealed a period of rebellion following her early career.
She described the intense pressure of being a BBC child star, where she felt compelled to be an "ambassador for the BBC," even monitoring her social media posts closely. After struggling with the "hell" of auditions post-Tracy Beaker, she made the decision to quit acting and her agent, moving to Australia with a friend for what was intended to be a month. This trip extended into an eight-year period of travelling, partying, and spending her savings—a stark contrast to her previously cautious lifestyle.
McKenna-Bruce returned to acting in 2019, a decision that led to her critically acclaimed role in the film How To Have Sex, for which she won the BAFTA Rising Star Award. Her role in Seven Dials marks a significant return to mainstream television.
Seven Dials is now available for streaming in its entirety on Netflix, inviting viewers to judge the adaptation for themselves amidst this divided reception.
