The Flemish series “This Is Not a Murder Mystery” masterfully intertwines the charm of cosy crime with the captivating world of surrealist art. Set in 1936, the narrative unfolds at a private exhibition hosted by an English aristocrat for a group of emerging surrealist artists on the brink of fame. A week after a lavish party, René Magritte awakens to find a woman dead beside him, their heads eerily shrouded in a macabre re-enactment of his iconic painting, “The Lovers.”
This bizarre discovery brings forth DCI Thistlethwaite and DC Quant, a detective duo tasked with investigating the crime. The estate and its unconventional guests are placed under lockdown. Among the suspects are celebrated artists like Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, Man Ray, performance artist Sheila Legge, and American war photographer Lee Miller. As the exhibition date looms, Magritte is driven to prove his innocence, but the increasingly theatrical murders, each a twisted tribute to the artists’ celebrated works, continue to escalate, implicating everyone present.
English Translation:
The Flemish series “This Is Not a Murder Mystery” offers a sophisticated fusion of cosy crime and art, appealing to viewers who appreciate both genres. The year is 1936, as indicated by silent film-style credits. An English aristocrat is hosting an exclusive showing of works by surrealist artists, all poised for significant recognition. Following a vibrant party held a week prior, the story opens with René Magritte waking up in bed next to a deceased woman. Their heads are wrapped in shrouds, a disturbing echo of his own painting, “The Lovers.” While fame can certainly affect artists, this situation is far more sinister.
The investigation is spearheaded by the detective pairing of DCI Thistlethwaite and DC Quant. They secure the estate, along with its bohemian residents: renowned figures such as Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, Man Ray, the performance artist Sheila Legge, and the American war photographer Lee Miller. Magritte is determined to clear his name. However, as the exhibition draws nearer, a series of increasingly theatrical murders unfolds. Each crime deliberately pays homage to the masterpieces of the artists in attendance, who are themselves considered suspects.