Agatha Christie’s Untouched Mystery Novel Begs for a Screen Adaptation

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Agatha Christie is well-known for crafting murder mysteries, and she’s written numerous novels that have been successfully transformed into renowned TV shows, movies, and plays. However, in 1944, Christie stepped away from her usual genre to publish a historical mystery, which remains unadaptated for the big screen.

In Ancient Egypt, the story “Death Comes as the End” centers around a priest named Imhotep and his household. When Imhotep introduces a new concubine into his home, the family balance is disturbed…and it’s later discovered that she has met an untimely end. However, this isn’t the only death that occurs. A search ensues to determine whether these deaths are caused by a curse or if they’re just plain murder.

The Novel Is More Historically Accurate Than Audiences Might Realize

It might come as a surprise to casual fans that Christie, known primarily for her 20th-century mystery novels and short stories, also delved into historical work. Many readers find pleasure in her more intimate, “cozier” pieces, some of which have been translated into various British TV shows. However, it is worth noting that the author’s personal life served as an ideal backdrop for a novel.

Christie was married to archaeologist Sir Max Mallowan for over four decades. During this long period, she joined him on numerous excavations, such as those in Iraq and Syria, that inspired her writing in the novel “Death Comes as the End“. Additionally, she delved into various historical sources like the Heqanakht Papyri – authentic letters detailing an Egyptian family’s daily life. These precious artifacts can now be admired at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Many readers often find an undervalued book among their favorites due to its rich storytelling, despite the inclusion of unexpected turns. However, critics contend that the central enigma isn’t as fully fleshed out as in other pieces and the conclusion is less than satisfying. Interestingly, Agatha Christie had originally conceived a different climax, but was persuaded to alter it before release. Essentially, her original ending might have been even more mind-blowing than the one readers are familiar with today.

The Agatha Christie Story Is Still Relatable in the Modern Day

A significant reason for this novel’s enduring appeal lies in the universality of its underlying themes. Although it is set historically, emotions such as grief, greed, jealousy, desire, and fear are experienced by almost everyone at some point in their lives. Consequently, a modern adaptation of the 1944 work could resonate with longtime Agatha Christie enthusiasts.

For those who hold the story dear, its enduring themes give the novel a sense of eternality, ensuring it remains relevant even in today’s world. Christie’s experiences, marriage to Sir Mallowan and collaboration with Egyptologist Stephen Glanville contribute to Death Comes as the End feeling like an accurate representation of ancient Egyptian lifestyle. However, some readers might argue that the blending of contemporary aspects with traditional cultural practices makes the book seem somewhat out of place in time.

It’s intriguing to note that Death Comes as the End was slated to be one of seven Agatha Christie stories brought to life by 2020, initially planned for television broadcast in 2019. However, despite the passing of time, this historical mystery has yet to appear on our screens. The reasons behind its delay remain unclear, whether it’s due to production halts or if plans are still underway. Fans have proposed theories that the COVID-19 pandemic might have caused a delay, or that the cost of constructing an Ancient Egyptian set could have been prohibitively high.

A Film Adaptation Could Be Thrilling

Transforming “Death Comes as the End” into a TV special could indeed be effective, but expanding it into a full-length film or mini-series might offer a more engaging viewing experience instead. The primary reason for this is that numerous characters meet their end throughout the story. This extended format would enable viewers to witness these deaths within a broader, more interconnected narrative context.

Few contemporary projects delve into ancient civilizations beyond documentaries or factual narratives. Adapting this Christie work would offer a rare and refreshing perspective in today’s film industry, which has been dominated by remakes, sequels, and franchise films. Such a unique addition could serve as a welcome change of pace for audiences.

There’s a popular trend today that looks back fondly on cultures from the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s, often seen in media and fashion. This means that a film set in Ancient Egypt could resonate with people who grew up watching movies like “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “The Prince of Egypt,” and “Cleopatra.” If executed skillfully, the movie adaptation of “Death Comes as the End” could become a classic. Maybe Sir Kenneth Branagh might consider directing this underexplored piece after he completes his current projects.

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2025-05-05 03:24