MOVIE REVIEW – Netflix has brought us the Polish film Inheritance (original title Spadek), a witty and refreshing whodunnit. Directed by Sylwester Jakimow and starring Jan Peszek, Maciej Stuhr, Joanna Trzepiecinska, Mateusz Krol, Gabriela Muskala, Piotr Polak, and Adam Ferency, this film promises an entertaining experience for fans of the genre, though it may not reach the highest echelons of mystery filmmaking.

The dysfunctional Fortuna family reunites after thirty years when their millionaire uncle, Wladyslaw Fortuna, fakes his own death and leaves his fortune to whoever wins his game. Yes, we’re talking about an eccentric game show host who creates this game to finally bring his family together and strengthen their bonds.

Chaos and Chilly Atmosphere

The chaos begins when Wladyslaw is actually found dead, the family gets trapped in a snowstorm, and the police believe one of them is the murderer. But first, the Fortuna family must play the game if they want to get their hands on Wladyslaw’s money.

The cast of Inheritance is quite diverse, and even though there are many characters, the actors do their best to bring them to life. Each has their own little conflicts, cleverly revealed during the game, thanks to Uncle Wlad’s setup. For example, there’s Dawid, the naive, bumbling teacher, and his blunt, assertive wife Zosia. Their kids, Jozie and Henryk, are sulking teens who end up being the stars of the show.

The gossipy Karol is the second nephew, smitten with his fiancée, also named Karol, who is a pseudo-therapist. Finally, bankrupt Natalie pretends to be a successful author and is dating the much younger, mysterious Gustaw. All of them contribute to the chaos with their quirks as they navigate the investigation, throw each other under the bus, and try to win the game night.

Humor and Surprises

Inheritance ticks all the boxes for whodunnit clichés and standard formulas, drawing inevitable comparisons to popular genre films like Knives Out. But what makes it truly refreshing is its humor. Inheritance starts with dry humor and evolves into full-blown slapstick comedy.

There’s even a Scooby-Doo-style chase scene with everyone running down the same hallways. The characters maintain a deadpan delivery that makes the situations even funnier. Each odd comment is followed by an even more unexpected punchline, ensuring the audience bursts into laughter.

The production design is impressive, featuring a luxurious mansion in the middle of snowy mountains, reminiscent of Narnia’s White Witch’s realm. The rustic vibes add to the aura of a retro murder mystery in an isolated setting. Exploring each part of the house feels like a journey, from secret tunnels to red neon signs. However, it feels like the house’s full potential isn’t utilized, especially with the tunnels merely serving as props rather than integral parts of the story.

Family Ties and Lessons

The real surprise isn’t the police reveal or the butler’s suspicious actions. The true twist is that the story ultimately focuses not on inheriting money but on family bonds. While the characters initially would have “sold their mother” for the money, they undergo development that makes their reaction to the twist believable if not relatable.

Inheritance keeps us engaged with the crime game while entertaining us with the family’s antics and investigation, making it a fun watch. Along with its comic aspects, it emphasizes the importance of family, using gimmicks to make valid points and proving that we can convey important themes through a light-hearted genre.

-Gergely Herpai “BadSector”-