Knives Out (2019) is an ensemble led driven thriller that entertains in a peculiar fashion. This modern-day whodunit is witty and full of dark fun. Watch, and try to figure out the culprit! By the way, I was close to the answer but no cigar...Anyways, read on!
To set it up, we find Harlan Thrombey who is a prominent mystery writer. He is found dead, and his entire family is suspects. A renowned private investigator named Benoit Blanc is paid to investigate the incident.
Try and hold your breath while I list off this stellar cast list: Daniel Craig (Benoit Blanc), Ana de Armas (Marta Cabrera), Chris Evans (Ransom Drysdale), Jamie Lee Curtis (Linda Drysdale), Michael Shannon (Walt Thrombey), Don Johnson (Richard Drysdale), Toni Collette (Joni Thrombey), LaKeith Stanfield (Lieutenant Elliot), Katherine Langford (Meg Thrombey), Jaeden Martell (Jacob Thrombey), Riki Lindhome (Donna Thrombey), Edi Patterson (Fran), Frank Oz, (Alan Stevens), and Christopher Plummer (Harlan Thrombey. Okay, you can breathe now. The point is that basically everyone is at least a B-list actor or actress. I read that Joseph Gordon-Levitt voiced a random detective on the radio, and that's all.
I can see why this film has received some awards show recognition. The humor is off-color and witty most of the time. Each actor feeds on the other. Also, the set designs and house they chose is great. It feels like the residence of a mystery writer. Christopher Plummer turned out to be perfect in that role. Ana de Armas turns out to be an outstanding leading lady. When a story relies on long witty dialogue, it's understandable if some don't stick the landing. It didn't happen much in this film, but it did some. For instance, the political jokes were funny at first, but they kept coming back. It was too much.
What you should take away is this. Mystery lovers should watch this movie. You'll think you've figured it out and then see you're wrong. Great acting, directing, cinematography, production design and more make for a fine film. My movie rating is A-.
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