Knives Out is a 2019 whodunnit that revolves around a detective figuring out the death of a rich novelist.
It’s always cool seeing a fun murder mystery on the big screen. After the theatrical release of Murder on the Orient Express two years ago, we now have a new film titled Knives Out. Making a whodunnit that takes place in modern times is quite ambitious, as it’s a style of filmmaking mostly recognized for being set in the past. Written and directed by Rian Johnson, he elevates it with the help of a clever script, unique characters and stylish cinematography, while wonderfully establishing the mystery element in the present. It also stars an ensemble of insanely talented actors such as Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Lakeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford and Christopher Plummer. If you’re a fan of Johnson’s other features such as Looper and Brick, you’re in for a real treat! A rich crime novelist named Harlan Thrombey (Plummer) has been found dead after his 85th birthday, and the police have been summoned to investigate this unfortunate situation. Benoit Blanc (Craig), a brilliant detective, will do everything he can to hopefully solve this mystery and learn more of Thrombey’s eccentric family.
While Knives Out does feature a fantastic cast, the real star is Johnson. His screenplay shines as the best part of the movie, as he delivers lots of quippy dialogue that the audience will have lots of fun with. Even if it’s a whodunnit, it’s surprisingly hysterical. The humor is well-written and clever, while still not compromising the tension built from the start. The intro immediately sets up the tone of the entire film, and you’re looking forward to seeing what happens next. As the story goes on, it keeps you intrigued throughout. You never know what’s going to happen, and it’s an effective way for moviegoers to figure out the mystery and be immersed in the experience themselves.
In terms of the acting, Craig, de Armas and Evans stand out from the rest of the ensemble. These three steal the show, and their characters are the ones that the audience will remember the most. Admittedly, the first time you hear Craig’s voice is a little strange, but then you start getting used to it and appreciate his over-the-top performance. The other actors are also really good when they’re on screen, but you don’t see a lot of them and you eventually start forgetting about them as it goes on. Some of them are just there for the sake of being there, and they don’t add anything to the premise. They don’t really feel like supporting characters, because they’re just in the background, which is kind of a bummer to waste their presence like that.
In the end, Knives Out is a remarkably engaging whodunnit with a great script, terrific performances and brilliant direction by Johnson. There is a lot to love about this flick, and it’s recommended to watch it with a group of friends and have a fun time at the movie theater. It is one of the most highly entertaining films of 2019.