Insights on the Upcoming Netflix Film, *Thursday Murder Club*
Retirement communities often boast knitting clubs, but some seniors dive into solving complex crimes. This is the premise of *Thursday Murder Club*, inspired by Richard Osman’s bestselling novel. The film adaptation is set to hit Netflix soon.
Directed by Chris Columbus, with a screenplay by Katie Brand and Suzanne Heathcourt, the movie features a star-studded cast including Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie. They portray a group of retirement home residents who aim to crack cold cases. Their sleuthing takes a serious turn when a real murder occurs at the upscale Cooper Chase Retirement Center, prompting the group to put their skills to the test. Other notable cast members include David Tennant, Jonathan Pryce, Naomi Ackie, and Richard E. Grant, among others.
The film unfolds in a picturesque, fictional setting known as Cooper Chase, though it’s worth noting that this quaint community isn’t actually real. More details about the filming location are available.
Where Was *Thursday Murder Club* Filmed?
Filming for *Thursday Murder Club* occurred during the summer of 2024 at various locations in the UK, as well as at sound studios. Interior shots were captured at Shepperton Studios in Surrey. Netflix has been utilizing this studio since 2019, making it a hub for several productions.
For exterior scenes, the historic Inglefield House Estate in Englefield, situated in Berkshire, served as the backdrop for Cooper Chase. This estate, with its castle-like architecture, has been around since at least the 16th century and frequently appears in films, including titles like *X-Men: First Class* and *The King’s Speech*.
In a recent interview, Columbus reflected on the book’s description of a church and cemetery overlooking Cooper Chase. He originally thought he might need digital enhancements but found that Englefield House naturally offered the hilltop view he envisioned.
Another filming site was Stratton Road in Beaconfield, where several driving scenes were shot. Beaconfield, a small town in Buckinghamshire, lies about 25 miles northwest of London.
Yet, Englefield House truly stands out as the film’s centerpiece.
“I realized I was, in a way, trying to create a version of Hogwarts,” Columbus noted, referencing his work on the first two *Harry Potter* films. “Hogwarts fulfills a childhood fantasy, and this is really an antithesis to the often mundane image of retirement communities in the U.S.” He pointed out that many nursing homes can feel quite dull and depressing.
