The Oxford Murders

This is one of those twisty little mystery films that slipped under the radar for most people. It stars Elijah Wood as an American math student who arrives at Oxford, and quickly finds himself entangled in a series of bizarre murders alongside his eccentric professor, played by John Hurt. The story hinges on logic puzzles and mathematical riddles, giving it a distinctly cerebral vibe compared to your standard crime thriller.

What really stood out to me is the way the movie uses intellectual banter and mathematical theory as part of its suspense — almost like the clues are hidden in lectures and conversations, not just in bloodstains and footprints. Elijah Wood is quietly intense, and John Hurt gives that wonderfully prickly performance he always seemed born for. Their chemistry makes the film’s slower spots feel enticing; it's like being invited to a cryptic, deadly game among scholars.

On the downside, the plotting sometimes gets a bit too in love with its own cleverness. There are moments where the explanations of the mathematical puzzles feel heavy-handed, like the film is making sure you know how smart it is. If you aren’t that into academic debates, you might get a little impatient with the scenes that veer away from actual detective work. Some of the supporting characters are also written a bit thinly, which can make their motivations harder to buy.

Cinematography-wise, the movie makes beautiful use of Oxford's old colleges and foggy courtyards; the locations do a lot of heavy lifting, and you really feel like you're wandering a thousand-year-old labyrinth full of secrets. The tone stays pretty moody and atmospheric throughout, which works even when the script wobbles a bit. The score is understated, letting the ominous quiet do its job.

You would enjoy this if you like mysteries where puzzles are as important as plot, and you'd rather be challenged by dialogue than jump-scares. It's a good pick for people who enjoy something along the lines of The Name of the Rose or Da Vinci Code — but with less action and more academia.