Okay, the headline alone – “Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue” – is enough to grab my attention. It’s got that pulpy, slightly lurid quality that screams “guilty pleasure.” And then you add in the fact that it’s from Anthony Horowitz, the guy behind Magpie Murders and a bunch of other twisty, clever mysteries, and I’m officially intrigued. MGM+ just announced the US premiere date (March 2), and, well, let’s just say my Sundays are about to get a lot more suspenseful.
The premise is pure Agatha Christie with a dash of Lost and maybe a sprinkle of Yellowjackets for good measure. Nine people survive a plane crash in the Mexican jungle, only to start dying off one by one in “strange and violent ways.” Classic locked-room mystery setup, except the “room” is a vast, dangerous jungle. And, to add just that little bit of extra intrigue, there’s a tenth passport found at the crash site. So, who’s the mystery passenger? And are they the killer? Or another victim? My brain is already buzzing with theories.
Horowitz is a master of this kind of story. He knows how to build suspense, how to plant red herrings, how to keep you guessing until the very end. He’s also not afraid to go dark, which is a must for this kind of premise. I’m expecting plenty of twists, turns, and shocking reveals. And, hopefully, some genuinely creepy moments. The jungle setting is perfect for creating a sense of isolation, paranoia, and primal fear. It’s a place where anything can happen, where civilization feels a million miles away, and where the line between human and animal can blur.
The press release boasts a “star-studded international ensemble cast,” which, let’s be honest, is often code for “a bunch of actors you’ve vaguely seen before in other things.” But in this case, it actually seems pretty solid. We’ve got Eric McCormack (Will from Will & Grace, showing his dramatic chops), David Ajala (from Star Trek: Discovery), fabulous Icelandic actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (The Tourist) and Siobhán McSweeney (the hilarious Sister Michael from Derry Girls), among others. It’s a diverse cast, which suggests a diverse range of characters, each with their own secrets and motivations. And in a mystery like this, everyone’s a suspect.
The release also mentions a “jaw-dropping reveal at the end.” Which, of course, is what every mystery promises. But with Horowitz, I’m inclined to believe it. He’s not one to disappoint when it comes to delivering a satisfying twist.
It will be really interesting to see how the police procedural works. Because if it is flashbacks, how are the police investigating if they are all dead? Or at least one of them must be alive, to tell the police about it. There is more to this, than just a simple mystery.
So, yeah, I’m excited about this one. It sounds like exactly the kind of escapist, suspenseful, slightly over-the-top thriller that I need in my life. It’s a welcome departure from the endless stream of gritty crime dramas and superhero sagas. It’s a throwback to classic mystery storytelling, with a modern twist. And it’s premiering on MGM+, which, let’s face it, could use a hit. I’m hoping this is it.
I’ll be tuning in on March 2, armed with a strong cup of coffee and a notepad to jot down my theories. And I’ll be prepared to be surprised, shocked, and maybe even a little bit scared. Because that’s what a good mystery should do. It should keep you on the edge of your seat, guessing until the very end, and leave you with a lingering sense of unease. And “Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue” sounds like it has all the ingredients to do just that. Bring on the jungle, the mystery, and the inevitable body count.
