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“CALL ME MASTER: THE CLOCKWORK SWAN – A MASTERFUL WHODUNNIT WITH A LACKLUSTRE PAYOFF”

The Clockwork Swan drops the Spy Master into a futuristic theme park, Historica Dramatica, just as the cast and crew prepare to launch their latest murder mystery production. But when real murders start happening, the Master assumes the role of LeMaitre, a flamboyant Poirot-esque detective, to solve the case—despite secretly being the one pulling the strings. The premise is classic Doctor Who whodunnit fare, but with a deliciously twisted Master twist: he’s playing both detective and killer.

DHAWAN STEALS THE SHOW

Sacha Dhawan throws himself into the role with unrestrained energy, leaning heavily into the Spy Master’s penchant for theatricality. His exaggerated French accent and over-the-top mannerisms are perfectly in line with this incarnation’s love of disguises, much like his Rasputin act in Power of the Doctor. While his bumbling detective persona is entertaining, the story shines most when he sheds the façade in the final third and unleashes his true, terrifying self.

A CLASSIC MYSTERY… WITH FEW SURPRISES

The futuristic theatre setting adds a fun, artificial charm to the mystery, but the story itself follows a familiar whodunnit structure: suspects are introduced, clues are scattered, and the Master slowly uncovers the truth. Unfortunately, the supporting cast fails to leave much of an impression, particularly Nyseth, the usher who spends most of the story at the Master’s side—only to ultimately serve as yet another casualty of his cruelty.

A MEANDERING MIDDLE AND A BLOATED FINALE

Despite its intriguing setup, the story gets bogged down by an unclear plot and a lack of stakes. Murders pile up, but the tension never fully materialises, making much of the mystery feel weightless. The Master’s inevitable reveal should be a moment of sheer delight, but by the time we reach the final act—where he revels in tying everything together—the payoff lacks real impact. The conclusion is drawn out longer than necessary, making the third act feel sluggish rather than thrilling.

📝VERDICT: 6/10

The Clockwork Swan boasts an entertaining concept and another phenomenal performance from Dhawan, but the story itself never quite reaches its potential. The whodunnit structure is competent but uninspired, and the supporting characters are largely forgettable. While the Master’s transition from comical detective to remorseless villain provides some great moments, the overall narrative lacks weight. Fun, but ultimately underwhelming.