When wealthy Uncle Władysław suddenly passes away, his estranged relatives gather together at his mansion for the will reading. None of the relatives have seen each other for thirty years, mostly because they don’t really care about each other, but as they all like money they are happy to overlook this minor issue.
After sharing an awkward dinner, the eight family members retire to their rooms, where they discuss their differences. A short while later, they gather together once more to listen to the will being read.
As the reading begins, they are shocked to discover Uncle Władysław is leaving 10 million zlotys to a local orphanage, with no money left for them. However, they are being given the opportunity for financial gain, so long as they are willing to work for it.
According to the will, their uncle will reward members of the family with various rights to his money-making patents and inventions, if they take part in a game. However, all is not what it appears to be, and soon the family members find themselves caught up in a puzzling murder mystery.
Directed by Sylwester Jakimow, Inheritance (aka Spadek) is a Polish drama-comedy, starring Jan Peszek, Maciej Stuhr, and Joanna Trzepiecinska. The movie is available to stream on Netflix from today and is a playful whodunnit? which isn’t amazing but is quite fun.
Following a similar format to standard murder mystery pictures, i.e. a group of people gather in a mansion and a murder takes place, Inheritance offers nothing particularly exciting, but it is fairly likeable. What the film lacks in dynamism, it makes up for in strong casting and excellent set design, as well as general good will.
It’s clear director Sylwester Jakimow wants his film to be an enjoyable romp, and that’s exactly what this is. Inheritance isn’t a dark, sinister mystery, it’s a light, frothy, and quirky one.
The film is at its best when it brings the family together to take part in a game, where they learn secrets and personal information about each other. Where it’s less successful is in the murder investigation, which is less interesting and lacks decent investigators – although, this really isn’t the focus of the film.
The main aim of the movie is to spend time with the central characters, and indulge in a touch of humour. Inheritance achieves this well enough, so pretty much does what it sets out to do.
Fun in places and at times quite likeable, Inheritance is a spirited murder mystery. It’s unlikely to rock anyone’s socks, but it does offer up around 90 minutes of entertainment.
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