Review of Knives Out (2019) by Rebecca31 — 01 Dec 2019

Watching Knives Out is like hopping straight into a real-life game of Cluedo. Director Rian Johnson has given us an early Christmas present with this absolute gem of a film. Knives Out is the film that just keeps on giving. I was sold after the first few minutes and although the whodunnit is not a genre I’m overly familiar with, (Agatha Christie is not really my thing) Knives Out is a brilliantly told mystery thriller with an exceptional cast. Appealing to all and with a script so witty you can’t help but enjoy yourself.

The acclaimed crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead in his home just after his 85th birthday. Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) has been mysteriously hired to investigate what appears to be a closed case. Yet Thrombey’s obviously dysfunctional family each appear to have their own motive for murder (if indeed it is a murder) and it’s up to Detective Blanc to determine whether foul play is involved and to uncover the truth.

The plot is packed full of witty one liners and enough twists and turns to keep you fully invested in the story. Knives Out is one of the most entertaining films I’ve seen all year, and in no way takes itself too seriously. In fact it drifts into an almost pantomime type performance at times, particularly Craig’s over the top Detective Blanc but that only adds to the charm. Daniel Craig is a terrific actor and it’s always nice to see him in a non-James Bond movie because he’s having so much fun with this and it really shows. The entire cast is having a great time with this film and it shines through. An hilarious whodunnit that you should definitely take the time to see. It leaves you wanting more and if we get the chance to see another mystery thriller with Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig then I’m all for it. Highly recommended.