A Haunting in Venice

In 1947, Hercule Poirot, having retired from his life as a detective, resides in the sultry ambiance of Venice, Italy. Despite the picturesque surroundings, the haunting shadows of his past prevent him from finding peace, as unresolved mysteries continuously taunt him.

Poirot is surprised by the arrival of his old friend, Ariadne Oliver, who is feeling disheartened due to the poor reception of her recent books. In an effort to lift their spirits, she extends an invitation to a Halloween soiree at the luxurious palazzo of Rowena Drake.

Ariadne invites Poirot to a Halloween soiree, promising an evening filled with atmosphere and the intrigue of a séance led by the enigmatic Joyce Reynolds. Both Poirot and his loyal bodyguard, Vitale, accept the invitation, hoping for a diversion from their troubles.

Upon arriving at Rowena's palazzo, Poirot is enveloped in an eerie atmosphere, as children share unsettling stories about the building's haunted past. Local legends speak of the palazzo's tragic history as an orphanage and the curse associated with the Children's Vendetta.

At the gathering, Rowena mourns the recent death of her daughter, Alicia, struggling to cope with her profound grief. This pervasive sadness casts a somber shadow over the evening, marking the gathering with an undercurrent of sorrow.

The séance hosted by Joyce Reynolds begins, creating an atmosphere thick with dread among the attendees. Joyce appears to channel Alicia's spirit, raising questions about her death while Poirot's detective instincts kick into high gear, sensing deception in the air.

Tensions escalate when Maxime Gerard arrives, claiming to have a connection to the family that invites scrutiny from the grieving guests. His unexpected presence stirs unease, hinting at unspoken relationships and past conflicts.

The evening takes a dark turn when a blood-curdling scream disrupts the gathering, leading to the horrifying discovery of Joyce's lifeless body, grotesquely impaled. The storm outside mirrors the chaos within, trapping guests in an atmosphere of panic and paranoia.

In response to the shocking murder, Poirot takes charge, locking all exits and embarking on an investigative journey. Teaming up with Ariadne, he begins to sift through the guests' narratives, seeking the truth beneath layers of deception.

Poirot stumbles upon a lost stuffed rabbit that belonged to Alicia, sparking his curiosity further. This find becomes a pivotal point in the investigation, revealing connections between the guests and the troubled history of the household.

As Poirot interviews the guests, he uncovers underlying motives and hidden pasts that may be linked to Joyce's death. He learns about the complicated dynamics among the group, culminating in a tense confrontation regarding their shared connections to Alicia.

Poirot’s unease intensifies when mysterious sounds and visions hint at a ghostly presence within the palazzo. Disturbed by a child’s song echoing in the halls, he is drawn to investigate the source, believing it to be connected to the spirits of the unwarranted dead.

A climactic confrontation reveals Maxime's complicated relationship with Alicia, and Poirot uncovers depth to the connections among the guests. Betrayal lurks beneath their interactions, pointing to a shared secret entwined in their grief and loyalties.

In a dramatic revelation, Poirot exposes Rowena as the architect of the tragic events. Her grief turned to manipulation, she orchestrated a dark revenge against those she felt wronged, unveiling the convoluted relationships behind the façade.

As the storm subsides and chaos dissolves, Poirot and Ariadne share a bittersweet farewell. Leaving the haunted palazzo behind, he sets off once more into a world that promises more enigmas, an endless call to his detective nature.