Following numerous delays in release, Death on the Nileis finally in theaters! Kenneth Branagh returns in the Agatha Christie adaptation as the world-renowned detective, Hercule Poirot, as he investigates another unfortunate murder and conspiracy.
Similar to its predecessor, 2017’s Murder on the Orient Express, he finds himself surrounded by unique characters shrouded in secrecy and intrigue. They would all be too preoccupied to care about astrology or the zodiac while a murderer hides among them. Nevertheless, viewers can understand their complex relationships and distinct motivations more by analyzing how they relate to the twelve zodiac signs.
Aries – Andrew Katchadourian
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, representing fiery aspiration and control. Andrew Katchadourian is Linnet Doyle’s cousin and lawyer, and a clear choice for Aries. He is shown to be ambitious and bold, making plans to better his circumstances – in both calculated and spontaneous fashions. His outward confidence and motivation allow Andrew to be a good leader and trustee for his cousin.
Throughout Poirot’s investigation, Andrew remains independent and prepared, to the point of being selfish and manipulative. He will react impulsively and rashly, often driven by his strong emotions and short temper – clear characteristics of an Aries.
Taurus – Euphemia Bouc
The bull represents Taurus, and there is no character in the new Agatha Christie adaptation that is more bullheaded than Euphemia Bouc. Taureans like Euphemia are characterized by their graceful persona and diligence while working. She is a renowned painter – played by the talented Annette Bening – who would wish nothing more than to be left alone to capture the pyramids and tombs on her canvas.
She is, however, deeply stubborn, set in her ways, and untrusting. This puts her at odds with her son – whose carefree life doesn’t align with her worldview – and leads to an important and unexpected discovery.
Gemini – Simon Doyle
Armie Hammer portrays Simon Doyle, a character actively caught in a scandalous and dangerous love triangle. He is charming, extroverted, and clever – so undoubtedly, he exhibits dominant Gemini traits. Throughout Death on the Nile, Simon playfully embraces his own and other people’s penchants for dramatics – from sensually dancing with Jackie to stealing away at Abu Simbel with Linnet.
Simon also exhibits the dark side of Geminis. He can often be two-faced and deceptive, turning on a dime from joy to cruel anger as he juggles numerous passions and connections. While he should feel nervous or haunted, he remains oddly optimistic.
Cancer – Linus Windlesham
Lord Linus Windlesham by birth, but Dr. Windlesham by choice, Linus truly represents the enigmatic and caring nature of a Cancer. Played by comedian Russell Brand, he is anything but funny throughout the movie. In fact, he is quite silent and suspiciously closed-off as he watches his former fiancé, Linnet, find love with another man while staying loyal to her – all hallmark Cancer traits.
He tends to be level-headed and calm, yet when he is provoked or threatened his emotions will burst to the surface. His role as a doctor and caregiver is incredibly important throughout the unfolding murder mystery.
Leo – Linnet Doyle
Linnet Doyle, portrayed by Gal Gadot in one of her best performances, is a rich heiress and socialite, who unites everyone in Eygpt for her honeymoon. Her grandiose, theatrical approach to life in the spotlight clearly defines her as the Leo of the group. Her natural charisma and magnetic personality demand attention while joyfully exclaiming the now-iconically memed, “enough champagne to fill the Nile!”
Linnet is passionate, confident, and successful to a fault, and finds herself surrounded by villainous attention because of such qualities. As with other Leos, she can be hubristic and vain at times, but in the end, her warmth and creativity win out.
Virgo – Hercule Poirot
Hercule Poirot is venerated as the world’s greatest detective. Kenneth Branagh – already among actors who have played Poirot – emulated strong Virgo energies throughout the movie. Sharing traits with other earth signs, he is grounded in reality, yet innovative, industrious, and clever. Practicality and facts drive him as he uncovers the mystery that torments the group’s passage along the Nile.
Poirot is a perfectionist at heart and although his obsessive nature helped him advance as a sleuth, it can also consume and impede him – sometimes with deadly consequences. Nevertheless, Hercule Poirot is kind and exemplifies the sympathetic nature common to Virgos.
Libra – Marie Von Schuyler & Mrs. Bowers
Libra, the scales, stands for balance. Marie von Schuyler, Linnet’s aunt, and Mrs. Bowers, Marie’s nurse, are an essential and united force throughout the film. They both possess the charm and friendly, yet critical nature of a Libra. Although their individual wants differ, they truly balance each other out. Marie, a communist, wants to distribute her wealth, while Bowers wants a taste of her old fortune – each representing an aspect of Libras.
Importantly, relationships and unions are cardinal to this sign. As such, their coupling is crucial in understanding them individually and together – also in modernizing Agatha Christie’s 1937 novel.
Scorpio – Louise Bourget
Louise Bourget is Linnet Doyle’s longtime maid who comes to Egypt not to celebrate, but to serve. Rose Leslie, famous for Game of Thrones, plays her as a soft-spoken and secretive character – a necessary foil to the many boisterous personalities around her. As such she fits nicely into the Scorpio niche throughout the film.
Despite her introverted nature, Louise is still quite clever and determined. She conceals her tragic history and sudden plans behind a kind smile. When appropriately activated a Scorpio’s manipulative and cunning behavior worms its way into her reality. She plays a dangerous game with unexpected results.
Sagittarius – Bouc
Thomas Bateman returns in Death on the Nile as Poirot’s intrepid confidant, Bouc. He exudes the adventurous and optimistic nature that describes who a Sagittarius is to their core. From his first appearance, flying a kite from atop a pyramid to his romantic, bold hopes for his future, Bouc is free-spirited and eager to forge his own path.
He bears the mark of a Sagittarius, proudly and joyfully wearing it as a medal. Though it might be a bit lopsided as he is shown to be careless and brash at times. Nevertheless, his loyalty and devotion are rarely in question.
Capricorn – Jackie de Bellefort
As the 3rd and final earth sign, Capricorns are characterized by their dedication and patience. The character in Death on the Nile that most exemplifies these qualities is definitely Jackie de Bellefort, the scorned lover of Simon Doyle and ex-friend of Linnet Doyle, played by Emma Mackey. She is methodical, resilient, goal-oriented, and fully committed – menacingly following Linnet and Simon throughout their travels.
On the flipside, like other earth signs, Jackie can be stubborn and materialistic. Particularly, she shows the negative traits affiliated with Capricorns when she is shown to be inflexible and cold, to the point of being cruel.
Aquarius – Salome Otterbourne
Salome Otterbourne joins the festivities as the main entertainment, full of the eccentric and peculiar nature of an Aquarius. As a jazz singer, played by Sophie Okonedo, she radiates the witty creativity of the final air sign. Favoring her independence and freedom, she chooses to remain distant and aloof from her fellow voyagers.
However, sometimes this cold detachment can go too far. Like many other Aquariuses, she can become pessimistic – often being provoked by the realities in the world around her to the point of shutting people out. Nevertheless, her foibles and virtuosity end up attracting Poirot and the audience.
Pisces – Rosalie Otterbourne
The final sign of the zodiac, Pisces, is represented by a pair of fish, embodying complex and conflicting dualities. In Death on the Nile, Rosalie Otterbourne – played by Letitia Wright – best exemplifies the dichotomy of a Pisces. Wright portrays Rosalie as a sensitive, yet resilient character.
Her connections to Salome, Linnet, and Bouc force her into complicated circumstances throughout Poirot’s investigation. She is pulled in many directions by her loyalties towards them. Rosalie, however, does not fight back against the current but rather surrenders to its flow – embracing her emotions. To the end, she represents Pisces through empathy and fortitude.
