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CAST
TONI COLLETTE
JAMIE LEE CURTIS
CHRIS EVANS
DON JOHNSON
KATHERINE LANGFORD
RIKI LINDHOME
JAEDEN MARTELL
EDI PATTERSON
CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER
MICHAEL SHANNON
LAKEITH STANFIELD
WRITTEN BY
RIAN JOHNSON
PRODUCED BY
RAM BERGMAN
RIAN JOHNSON
DIRECTED BY
RIAN JOHNSON
GENRE
CRIME
MYSTERY
THRILLER
RATED
AUS:M
UK:12A
USA:PG-13
RUNNING TIME
131 MIN |
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An entertaining whodunnit, with a sharp script, great performances, and biting political, Knives Out showcases writer/director Rian Johnson at his playful and innovative best.
For most filmmakers, a Star Wars movie should mark the peak of their filmography. Not so much for Rian Johnson, with 2017's The Last Jedi (despite grossing over a billion dollars and strong critical acclaim) an eyesore in a filmography filled with creative genre gems written by his hand. The public backlash was so swift, that the Californian filmmaker was moved on from further Star Wars duties. As Knives Out has proven, this is the best thing that could have happened to Johnson, who returns with sharpened skill and without the restriction of franchise cannon, to deliver one of the best films of 2019.
Set within a gothic estate that opens the film with striking poise, Knives Out delves into the world of the Thrombey clan, among them Linda (Jamie Lee-Curtis), her brother Walt (Michael Shannon), their sister-in-law Joni (Toni Collette), and Linda's son Ransom (Chris Evans). When family patriarch and bestselling novelist Harlan (Christopher Plummer) is found dead, private investigator extraordinaire Benoit Blonc (Daniel Craig) is called in to investigate, with Harlan's nurse and best friend Marta (Ana de Armas) his guide into the mechanics of this dysfunctional family, who are suspects one and all.
Also starring Don Johnson, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, and LaKeith Stanfield, Knives Out gives opportunity for all of its cast to shine in their portrayal of well written characters, who leave their distinctive mark on a movie that is a treasure chest of riches in all facets. Led by the continuously impressive comedic stylings of Daniel Craig as a thick Kentucky accented super sleuth, the cast of Knives Out combine to make one of the best ensembles of the year, which is quite a feat considering that 2019 is a year of superstar packed ensembles. From Toni Collete’s vain new-age would-be entrepreneur, to Michael Shannon’s emotional and physically crippled son of little talent, to Ana de Armas’s nurse with a heart of gold who is way over her head, there is naught a flaw to be found.
Johnson’s screenplay is a journey of twists and turns, entertaining and depth filled, that engrosses from the word go. As a murder mystery it is hard to think of a recent example that has done it better, riffing off the classic tales of Agatha Christie, yet adding a pop and an edge that would satisfy those who feel asleep (hand raised) during Kenneth Branagh’s Murder on the Orient Express, and without resorting to the overtly gimmicky stylings of Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes movies.
Astute political commentary is woven throughout, as yuppy white liberals squabble with MAGA endorsing conservatives about all matter of political topic. Where usually the words “white privilege” evoke eye-rolling exasperation, Johnson uses the term to devastatingly potent effect here, as Arma’s Ecuadorian nurse looks on as a wasp family devour one another over a potentially bountiful inheritance.
Masterfully edited by Bob Ducsay (Looper), and photographed by Steve Yedlin (Brick), with great art direction by Jeremy Woodward (American Hustle), Knives Out is as alluring to look at, as it is to experience. Johnson has delivered a film of impeccable craft and quality, that is as intoxicating as it is haunting. Star Wars? Who needs it!
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