Rian Johnson, who has been criticised over the last instalment of Star Wars, returns to writing and directing with a murder mystery comedy that is filled to the brim with twists, turns and silly comedy.
The film, is piecing together the death of Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer), culminating in a catchy who dunnit caper which proves to be ingenious.
We are introduced to the Thrombey family; dysfunctional, racist and, quite frankly all equally self-centred in their own right, who is questioned by the local police, and private detective, Benny Blanc, played by Britain’s very own James Bond, Daniel Craig.
Other stars include; Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ana de Armas, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette and Lakeith Stanfield in this huge ensemble, which at first viewing was thought to be over inventive, but actually turned out to be perfect casting for their subsequent roles.
Huge praise must be given to Chris Evans , Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis and Daniel Craig, on making their characters stand out in this style of film, mixed with comedy moments – such as Chris Evans quietly sitting in the will reading of his late grandfather giggling at everything and everyone (not before munching down on a packet of biscuits berating his whole family I may add) – it is hard to see Captain America playing a role so different to his norm, but pulls it off quite well.
Ana de Armas plays Marta – Harlan’s immigrant nurse, who is just perfect in every film she has ever been in, but it was great to see her in a strong support role that is the mere foundation of the whole film.
Jamie Lee Curtis plays Linda, Harlan’s ‘favourite’ daughter, who, quite frankly is very self-righteous, but can’t seem to see the truth even if it slapped her in the face! – this is probably the best role Curtis has done since playing Laurie Strode in the most recent Halloween as well as Helen Tasker in True Lies.
Finally, Daniel Craig, who plays Blanc as a dopey, yet, charismatic detective with THAT southern accent that will make you giggle from start to finish. The answer is staring Blanc in the face the whole time, but he can’t see it till the very end (also, it is worth mentioning, you will never be able to eat a doughnut in the same way again with his analogy of the crime).
Overall, Knives Out is so simple, its flawless. There is a degree of within yourself delving deeper into the mystery, trying to piece the puzzle together in your own head, when, quite frankly, the answer to the whole film is staring you in the face the entire time, which is what makes this film stand out from any other murder mystery films being distributed just now. I personally think Rian Johnson is more suited to narrative like this and would like to see him do more films like this. A killer who dunnit mystery, perfect in every way.
Director: Rian Johnson
Writer: Rian Johnson
Stars: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas
- Knives Out (2019) - 26th November 2019