Lights, Murder, Action: ‘See How They Run’ Blends Cozy Mystery with Humour

Last Updated on July 14, 2025

See How They Run is a film that invites audiences into the charmingly chaotic world of 1950s London theatre, where the line between drama on stage and drama in real life becomes increasingly blurred.

The movie, set against the backdrop of Agatha Christie’s iconic play The Mousetrap, is a playful homage to the classic whodunit genre, mixing elements of mystery, comedy, and a dash of old Hollywood glamour.

At its core, it’s a story about a murder that occurs in the most theatrical of places, but what makes See How They Run particularly engaging is the way it balances its tone.

It manages to be both a loving nod to the murder mysteries of yesteryear and a sharp satire of the very same genre.

The film’s leads, played by Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan, navigate this quirky, puzzle-filled narrative with a chemistry that is as endearing as it is entertaining.

It’s a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still manages to captivate with its witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and a sense of fun that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

London in the 1950s

Set in London in 1953, See How They Run is centred around the famous Agatha Christie play, The Mousetrap, which has just celebrated its 100th performance.

The story kicks off with Leo Köpernick, played by Adrien Brody, an American film director who has been tasked with adapting the play into a movie.

But Köpernick isn’t exactly the most beloved figure. His brash and arrogant demeanour rubs many the wrong way, and it isn’t long before he finds himself embroiled in a drunken brawl at the after-party.

Things take a deadly turn when Köpernick is found murdered shortly after the altercation.

Enter Inspector Stoppard, portrayed by the always brilliant Sam Rockwell, and his eager sidekick, Constable Stalker, played by Saoirse Ronan.

The two are assigned to solve the mystery of Köpernick’s death and their investigation takes them deep into the world of London’s West End theater scene, where a colorful cast of characters, each with their own secrets and motives, become the primary suspects.

Among them are Petula Spencer, the theater owner played by Ruth Wilson, John Woolf, the producer who owns the film rights (Reece Shearsmith), the frustrated scriptwriter Mervyn Cocker-Norris (David Oyelowo), and even stage actors like Richard Attenborough, brought to life by Harris Dickinson.

As the story unfolds, the audience is treated to a series of twists and turns that keep them guessing who the real culprit is.

Each suspect seems to have a compelling reason to want Köpernick dead. The producer, for instance, needs the play to end its run before he can begin production on the film, while tensions between Köpernick and Cocker-Norris over the script only add more fuel to the fire.

But who among them had the strongest motive to commit murder?

Inspector Stoppard and Constable Stalker must piece together the clues, navigating the glamorously sordid world of 1950s theatre.

Good, Bad or Indifferent?

With such a stellar cast, it’s no surprise that the performances are top-notch. Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan, in particular, shine in their roles.

Ronan’s portrayal of the earnest and slightly naive Constable Stalker is especially delightful, adding a layer of charm to the film that makes it stand out. The chemistry between her and Rockwell’s world-weary Inspector Stoppard is one of the movie’s highlights.

The script is filled with clever jokes and playful nods to the murder mystery genre, ensuring that the film never takes itself too seriously.

This lighthearted approach makes See How They Run more of a cozy crime comedy than a traditional crime drama, which might come as a surprise to some viewers.

However, the plot itself can be a bit of a mixed bag. While the film starts strong, the mystery becomes somewhat convoluted as it progresses.

The final reveal, though intended to be a clever twist, might not land as effectively as the filmmakers intended. For those who are paying close attention, the resolution might even feel a bit predictable.

Despite its flaws, See How They Run is far from a bad film. Its humour, strong performances, and nostalgic nods to the golden age of murder mysteries make it an enjoyable watch.

Just don’t go in expecting a groundbreaking twist, and you’re likely to have a good time.

And if you do want to sit back and have a fun time, you can stream the film on Disney+.

Is It Based on a Book?

Surprisingly, no, it is not! Finally, somebody decided to use their own imagination instead of adapting an existing novel!

See How They Run is an original film that draws inspiration from The Mousetrap, but it is not directly based on any book.

The movie, directed by Tom George and written by Mark Chappell, is a comedy mystery that cleverly incorporates elements of the whodunit genre, parodying and paying homage to classic detective tropes, particularly those found in Christie’s works.