Movie Review: The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (2012)
⭐️⭐️⭐️½☆ (3.5/5)

Atmospheric, elegant, and steeped in Victorian intrigue, The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (2012) delivers a moody adaptation of Fergus Hume’s classic crime novel, blending murder, class tension, and Melbourne’s dark underbelly into a compelling period piece.

Chelsie Preston Crayford shines as the determined and emotionally conflicted Madge Frettlby, caught between family loyalty and the unraveling mystery that threatens her world. Her performance anchors the emotional heart of the story, bringing warmth and complexity to a role that could have easily been lost in the foggy, male-dominated world of 19th-century Melbourne.

Marco Chiappi brings a gritty, grounded presence as Detective Gorby, a man more methodical than charming, but quietly effective as he navigates a city filled with secrets. The supporting cast adds color, with a mix of wealthy elites and shadowy figures that give the film a layered, Dickensian feel.

Visually, the film excels. From gas-lit streets and lavish drawing rooms to the titular hansom cab itself clattering through rainy alleyways, the production design is rich and immersive. The cinematography does a fine job evoking the noir-ish tone without relying on gimmicks, while the soundtrack adds a quiet sense of menace throughout.

That said, the plot occasionally feels more procedural than suspenseful, with some slower stretches and a resolution that may not surprise modern mystery fans. But those looking for character-driven storytelling and old-school detective drama will find plenty to appreciate.

The Mystery of a Hansom Cab is a well-crafted, slow-burn mystery with solid performances and impressive period detail. It may not break new ground, but it confidently rides the cobblestone path of classic crime drama.