A Reel Review: KNIVES OUT

The Whodunit genre of film has been one of the most popular of all time. From Sherlock to Agatha Christie to Mr. Green with a candlestick…the Whodunit allows the viewers to follow the clues and perhaps try to solve the mystery themselves, which makes the genre one of the first forms of interactive entertainment. The Whodunit film was in abundance for a long time, but has faded in recent years. The newest film from Rian Johnson, KNIVES OUT, is a loving homage to those old mystery films, while carving its own name in the body of originality. 

Harlan Thromby (Christopher Plummer), is a famous mystery writer who is found dead under suspicious circumstances in his mansion. Mixed up in his demise is his nurse Marta (Ana de Armas), who unwillingly assists world famous detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) to solve the mystery…under the watchful eye of the Thromby family (Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Evans, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, Erika Lindhome). 

The early goings of KNIVES OUT unfolds through a series of interviews conducted by Blanc of the Thromby family, who were all in attendance on the night of the murder. Each family member has different versions of the same story and sequence of events, and through a series of clever reveals, each is shown to have a motive. It’s familiar Whodunit territory for the first act, but KNIVES OUT takes its first of many turns when the murder is revealed early on. But just when the film seems like its done, even more layers of mystery unfold. 

Through a very strong script by Rian Johnson, the Thromby family is well developed and shown to us as a self-centered, lying, greedy bunch of assholes. Caught in the middle of it all is the young nurse Marta, who is a good person and the heart and soul of the story. Through her we experience the film, as opposed to the standard Whodunit of following the detective. It’s a clever and successful twist on the old genre, as Johnson continues to weave one surprise after another throughout the film. 

Pacing is brisk, the humor hilarious, and the dialogue razor-sharp. The mansion is gorgeous and Johnson’s camera explores every nook and cranny. The film looks great, and the score by Nathan Johnson perfect for the atmosphere. 

Acting is excellent. Ana de Armas gets the bulk of the heavy lifting and handles it all well. Chris Evans and Daniel Craig, who have made careers out of playing tough guys, prove their comedy chops and are a barrel of laughs. The rest of the cast is great, with Christopher Plummer showing a lot of energy for his age. 

KNIVES OUT has a finale that no one will see coming, and it doesn’t quite allow the viewer to play the interactive game. It’s not a demerit against the film, but armchair detectives may feel cheated out of their chance. It’s a minor thing, as Rian Johnson has created a blast of a film, one that pays homage to what was done before while cutting new territory. 

BOTTOM LINE: See it