A short review of a film from the British Film Institute’s London Film Festival 2019 – Knives Out. In the tradition of Agatha Christie, this American take on a country house full of outlandish suspects is great fun.
Knives Out
Screening Date – Tuesday, 8th October 2019
Rian Johnson appears to have survived the hostile reaction of furious Star Wars fans to his most recent instalment in the epic space saga (which, whisper it quietly, I quite enjoyed) by retreating into his earlier incarnation, as the writer/director of the brilliant, genre-subverting Brick.
Johnson’s new film, Knives Out, explores the death of the murder mystery novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer). Thrombey’s huge success has been tainted by the strained relationship with his unpleasant children, who have apparently been living off him for years. This being the case, it appears strange that someone would have chosen to kill Thrombey, who, albeit through gritted teeth, pays all of their bills.
Only Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), a private investigator who has been mysteriously hired by someone who wishes to remain anonymous, appears to have any insight into the conundrum. Truth be told, the trailer left me a bit concerned about Craig’s Kentucky accent but in the film it is perfect. Perhaps it was just the initial strangeness of hearing ‘Bond’ with an unusual American accent? Part Columbo, part Poirot, with an added dash of the Deep South, I loved his character and I hope he returns.
Craig is ably supported by a fantastic cast, as the despicable Thrombey clan. Not since the Addams Family have I seen this many wonderful monsters under one roof. Jamie Lee Curtis is particularly fun, with her withering put downs and steely determination to win, but there really isn’t a weak link.
Knives Out is full of unexpected twists and, whilst the solution might not completely elude, it’s a really fun ride unravelling it. As he did with Brick and Looper, Johnson subverts our expectations and breathes new life into this beloved genre.
In short, Knives Out is a classic whodunnit and the cast of grotesque characters are great company for a dark and stormy night.
Dir-Scr Rian Johnson
Prod Rian Johnson, Ram Bergman
With Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Christopher Plummer
USA
2019
130min
UK Distribution Lionsgate