Agatha Christie’s The Witness for the Prosecution
  • Network: Acorn TV
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 30, 2017
User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 19
  3. Negative: 3 out of 19

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User Reviews

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  1. GinaK
    Apr 29, 2017
    9
    A superb adaptation of the Christie short story by Sarah Phelps who understands the dark side of Agatha Christie, something that is in Christie’s writings, but never consciously acknowledged by the great author herself. Both Phelps adaptations (she also did a version of And Then There Were None) are good example as is the vicious novel, The ABC Murders. I particularly enjoyed the wonderfulA superb adaptation of the Christie short story by Sarah Phelps who understands the dark side of Agatha Christie, something that is in Christie’s writings, but never consciously acknowledged by the great author herself. Both Phelps adaptations (she also did a version of And Then There Were None) are good example as is the vicious novel, The ABC Murders. I particularly enjoyed the wonderful performances by Toby Jones, who bought real feeling to the part, and by Andrea Riseborough, who equaled or even surpassed Marlene Dietrich in the famous film with Tyrone Power, partly because Riseborough had a character that was written with more complexity than the one in the film and also because linking the story closely to the horrors of the First World War gave her a more haunting character to work with.… Expand
  2. meldrew
    Jan 30, 2017
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I read the (short) story and some time later saw the Billy Wilder version, which convinced me the big twist would never work on screen.

    This version didn't change my mind about that, but at least managed the reveal better.

    But two hours for a short story adaptation?    … Expand
  3. EPMD
    Mar 30, 2017
    6
    It was okay...probably worth the two hours spent watching it. I think the production was much better than the story itself. Despite several twists and a famous name behind it, the story isn't particularly enjoyable.

Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Best TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. The Huffington Post
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    Feb 22, 2017
    80
    There are few soft landings in Christie stories, and in Witness for the Prosecution several are exceptionally hard. The whole shadowy, troubling tale also feels more powerful because the cast plays it at a deliberate, ominous pace.
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  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Jan 30, 2017
    80
    An atmospheric and finely acted little gem, should go down just right. In a very short amount of time, the impact left is impressive.
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  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    Jan 30, 2017
    80
    Witness captures that ambiguity and thoughtfulness [in Christie’s works], and Phelps’ smart and entertaining adaptations will continue to garner my full attention, whenever they arrive and wherever they end up.
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