The murder mystery genre feels like it had a shot in the arm since the debut of Knives Out.
The Poirot capers stepped it up with A Haunting in Venice and we also got the delightful Bodies, Bodies, Bodies.
Daniel’s Gotta Die feels more akin to Bodies, Bodies, Bodies and Glass Onion than any other recent efforts, as a group of siblings are sent to their beach house holiday home by their late father, with the promise of riches if they can get through the weekend without killing each other.
While the mystery element is a tad tame, it is the comedy which makes Daniel’s Gotta Die an entertaining watch. Right from the outset, we see just the makeup of the family, as one brother is snorting cocaine at his father’s funeral, one sister is texting whilst the other couldn’t be bothered to show up and sent her PA along with a Get Well Soon balloon.
Leading the film is Joel David Moore, who genre fans may recognise from Hatchet, and as the titular Daniel he also brings along his girlfriend for company. Capers ensue, plans are botched, chainsaws are wielded and just when you think everything has gone awry the film throws you another gleeful curveball.
At a tight 89 minutes, Daniel’s Gotta Die doesn’t outstay its welcome, and while it may not hit the heights of Knives Out, it is certainly a rollicking good time.
Daniel’s Gotta Die screened as part of the Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2023.
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