Evil Under the Sun
Movie • 1982 • 117 min
PG
"Evil is everywhere. Even in paradise."
An opulent beach resort provides a scenic background to this amusing whodunit as Poirot attempts to uncover the nefarious evildoer behind the strangling of a notorious stage star.
What viewers say
Viewers enjoy this Agatha Christie adaptation as a glossy, campy whodunit, with a lush seaside setting, a playful score and a fun cast led by Peter Ustinov's Poirot and Maggie Smith's sharp lines. Many say the final reveal is satisfying and a high point among the star-studded Christie films. Criticisms are that it indulges Poirot's quirks for too long before the mystery gets going, the tone is more silly than suspenseful, and the big 1980s fashion distracts some viewers. It was also a modest box-office disappointment at release.
Best for: Viewers who like old-fashioned, star-filled Christie mysteries with scenery and humor over tension.
Summary of public viewer reviews, updated November 2026.
crimedramamysterythriller
📺 Where to Watch
🎬 Watch Trailer
Trailer hosted on YouTube. Click play to load.
🎭 Cast
Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot
James Mason as Odell Gardener
Sylvia Miles as Myra Gardener
Roddy McDowall as Rex Brewster
Maggie Smith as Daphne Castle
Jane Birkin as Christine Redfern
Nicholas Clay as Patrick Redfern
Diana Rigg as Arlena Stuart Marshall