Double Indemnity
Theatre Royal Brighton
By: James M. Cain
Adapted for the stage by: Tom Holloway
Genre: Crime, Play
Walter Huff is here to sell you the perfect murder. One with no price to pay at the end, no consequences. A murder so deliciously planned, it’ll be a pleasure to commit.
In 1930s Los Angeles, Walter Huff works as an insurance salesman. He is witty and sharp, and can smell an insurance scam before it walks into his office. But he is growing tired of following the rules, of staying in line, while his colleagues take big risks and always come out on top.
When Phyllis Nirdlinger seeks him out to discuss her husband’s insurance policy, Walter sees an opportunity. The chance to be outrageous, audacious like he’s never been. Together, Phyllis and Walter plan the perfect murder: kill the husband, cash the policy, and disappear. Poor Walter is yet to see how deep Phyllis’ greed goes…
Ciarán Owens shines in his role as Walter Huff. His charisma and charm is contagious, almost poisonous as he pulls you in to take part in his devilish plans. Owens does a great job in showcasing his character’s ambition, as well as his anxiety and the weakness that eventually becomes his demise. His performance reminded me of Patricia Highsmith’s Mr Ripley: the way his guilt and passion constantly overtake one another and leave Walter feeling conflicted, paranoid, and exhausted.
The chemistry between Ciarán Owens and Mischa Barton is tangible, giving the story just the right amount of heat. Mischa Barton was perfectly casted as Phyllis. Her aura of intrigue and mystery leaves no doubt as to why Walter’s knees weaken at her sight.
The story soon took unexpected turns which made my jaw drop more than once. By the second act I was convinced: anything could happen tonight. Double Indemnity is the kind of play that leaves you on the edge of your seat, trying to guess the next move, doubting everything you thought you knew.
However, the plot could’ve benefitted by a more developed set of supporting characters, which at this stage felt flat and one-sided. The every-busy secretary, the snappy nepo boss, or the suspicious, drunker colleague. They seemed overdone and clichéd, rather than a unique and interesting part of this story.
Double Indemnity is a twisty, sexy “reverse whodunit”. A story filled with lust, ambition, and risk, perfect for any crime drama fan.
Double Indemnity is currently playing at Theatre Royal until 14th March.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Reviewer: Roberta Guarini
Duration: 2hr 15 min incl. interval