Watch The Hippopotamus

The Hippopotamus is a British comedy film released in 2017, directed by John Jencks and based on the novel of the same name by Stephen Fry. The story follows disgraced poet Ted Wallace (played by Roger Allam) who is commissioned by his goddaughter Jane Swann (played by Emily Berrington) to investigate a series of strange occurrences at the country house of his friend, Lord Michael Logan (played by Matthew Modine). The events involve inexplicable healings attributed to a hippopotamus that Michael has acquired for his private zoo.

Laid off from his job as a theater critic, Ted is a heavy drinker and cynic who reluctantly accepts the task of investigating the so-called "miracles" in exchange for a monetary reward. He packs his bags and travels to the Logan estate, where he is met with hostility and suspicion by the staff and family members who resent his presence. Nevertheless, Ted is determined to uncover the truth and prove his worth as a detective.

Soon, he discovers that nothing is what it seems in the Logan household. Michael's wife Arlena (played by Fiona Shaw) is a religious fanatic who believes that her husband has been chosen by God to perform miracles, while her daughter Rebecca (played by Emma Curtis) is a depressed and rebellious teenager who seeks solace in drugs and sex. Meanwhile, Michael's brother Simon (played by Tim Charles) is a homosexual artist who is shunned by his conservative brother and his friends.

As Ted delves deeper into the mystery, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters, including a pompous vicar (played by Tim McInnerny) who has a shady past and a nymphomaniac cook (played by Lyne Renee) who seduces him at every opportunity. Despite his initial reluctance, Ted begins to enjoy the challenge of solving the case and starts to develop a rapport with Jane, who accompanies him on his excursions.

The film's plot is filled with twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the very end. The dialogue is witty and full of banter that showcases Roger Allam's talent as a seasoned actor. The cinematography captures the beauty of the English countryside, and the score by Anne Nikitin provides a perfect backdrop for the mood of the film.

The Hippopotamus is not only a comedy but also a commentary on themes such as faith, redemption, and forgiveness. It explores the complex relationships between family members and the struggles of individuals who are trying to find their place in the world. The film is a reminder that even those who are lost and damaged can find joy and meaning in unexpected ways.

Overall, The Hippopotamus is a delightful film that will appeal to fans of British comedies and mystery stories. The performances are stellar, and the script is both hilarious and thought-provoking. It is a testament to Stephen Fry's talent as a writer and John Jencks' ability as a director to bring the story to life on the big screen.

The Hippopotamus is a 2017 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 46.