Knives Out (2019) Review!

I first saw this movie on a flight, and sat in shocked silence for the next hour or two, because my mind could not comprehend how much of a masterpiece it was.

I know you love a good mystery – everyone does, but this is not your typical murder story. With Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out”, you don’t only get a mysterious who-dunnit, you also get several plot twists, unexpected genre changes and a wholesome message, all delivered to you on a silver platter.

The plot is detailed, yet easy to follow. The entire set of characters each have their own quirks and flaws that bring them alive, an effect accentuated by the cast’s almost impeccable acting. Strap in, and let me tell you (without spoilers) why Knives Out is a must-see.

THE PLOT

Harlan Thrombey, a best-selling mystery writer is found dead, right after the celebration of his 85th birthday, and Detective Blanc is given money by an unknown person to investigate. As more interviews pass and more details are uncovered, the family is revealed to be more and more malicious. Each member has different motives, some known, some hidden. Any member could have slit his throat for their own reasons – out of spite, for financial gain, to save a relationship… Furthermore, who paid the Detective to investigate, and why did they do so anonymously? All in all, it is a mystery inside a mystery.

THE CASTING

The cast of “Knives Out” include many big names, such as Daniel Craig, known for starring in the James Bond trilogy, and Chris Evans, our good old Captain America. A notable member of the cast is Ana de Armas, an up-and-coming actress who delivers a stunning, gripping performance as Marta Cabrera, Harlan’s nurse. The casting is very effective - many actors previously known for playing niche characters are able to explore their range and successfully subvert audience expectations by portraying different personalities in this film.

The quality of acting is tremendous, as predicted. Daniel Craig pulls off a tediously long, but genius monologue near the end – the classic, obligatory explanation made by the detective at the end of every mystery story.

Each of the characters are written with unique characteristics, which, in scenes of conflict, are brought out and contrast phenomenally well with each other. None of the dialogue ever feels disinteresting, and each relationship forged and broken is done so with purpose.

THE VISUALS

For me, an important part of any media I consume, is the aesthetic. “Knives Out” has impressive set design, from the curious wheel of knives featured in the trailer and marketing material, to the bizarre statues, artefacts and paintings scattered throughout Harlan Thrombey’s mansion. Even better, the house’s peculiar interior/exterior design allows for tons of creative, mysterious shots. It even aids in a major plot point! The characters’ surroundings play a huge part in setting the tone of the film, which is one of eccentricity and slight creepiness.

GENRE

The team behind “Knives Out” mixes tropes from other genres into the film, some staying a longer visit and others just saying a quick hello at the door. There are some jabs at horror and comedy, the latter of which was improvised insanely well on set, by Michael Shannon (who played Walt Thrombey, one of Harlan’s sons). For a portion of the movie, the tension that you feel when watching Ocean’s 8 or any heist film, is ever present.

In general, there’s something in “Knives Out” for everybody.

CONCLUSION

“Knives Out” is a mishmash of many great things – a great director, cast, great visuals and most importantly, a great ending. The reason endings are so significant in the mystery genre, is because most viewers come into the movie waiting for the explanation, the great reveal. A successful mystery story has a satisfying ending, one that is perfectly balanced between ‘predictable, lazy or stupid’ and ‘random, convoluted or pretentious”, and “Knives Out” has just that – it fulfills its promise with a clever, satisfying conclusion to the murder of Harlan Thrombey, all the while promoting a message of morality and cultural difference.