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‘Knives Out’ Review – A Must See Whodunit for a New Era

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”31699″ img_size=”800×450″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Synopsis:

A detective and a trooper travel to a lush estate to interview the quirky relatives of a patriarch who died during his 85th birthday celebration.

Whodunit? Wasn’t me, maybe it was you. In a world rife with weird and malicious crimes and mysterious deaths, there are police to solve the cases. When they can’t figure it out, you call super sleuth, Beniot Blanc. Well, at least that’s what someone did when Harlan Thrombey was found dead in his study. Knives Out is not unlike your classic comedic crime drama on the outside, but the others don’t have Daniel Craig or Chris Evans. I have always been a fan of Clue and the trailers for Knives Out gave me the same vibe, so it was a must-see for me. With that said, it doesn’t disappoint. Not only was this one of the most fun movies I’ve watched this year, but the satisfying and creative twists and turns were surprising. I found it to be a movie filled with purposeful contrasts. Whether it was Democrat and Republican or as simple as good and evil, the nuances helped create an interesting and relevant narrative. Peep the satire. Apart from this, a mixture of Victorian-esque and modern aesthetic, its cinematography is visually pleasing. Along with excellent writing and perfect casting, its score is fitting. Furthermore, with its clever approach, phenomenal acting, and Daniel Craig’s over southern accent, it’s definitely one to take the family or a group of friends to see. I have only one complaint. As a result of having a star-studded cast, not everyone gets to shine.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”31698″ img_size=”948×435″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

Plot & Pace

An ongoing investigation into the death of Thrombey family patriarch and author, Harlan has brought private investigator, Benoit Blanc into their family mansion. Starting interrogation style, we are introduced to an eccentric, animosity infused family. As all try to recall what happened on the night of Harlan’s 85th birthday, everyone is a suspect and everyone has a motive. Is it old age that caused the death? Is it a suicide? Or is it something diabolical? The movie moved about like a swift jog, not too fast but not too slow. It’s unforced twists and turns keep you guessing from start to finish as to what exactly happened. There’s a running joke that is executed so well that if you’re not paying attention, you might miss it. The ingenious thing about this movie and its plot is the way it unfolds. Completely destroying what a conventional whodunit film would do and giving this one the mind of 007 and the body of Captain America; anything is possible. Expect the unexpected then suspect the unexpected.

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Characters & Chemistry

Nothing tops Daniel Craig’s performance as Benoit Blanc. His deep southern accent, peculiar presence, and creative banter make the sleuth fun to watch. Craig was able to give the movie a Sherlock Holmes feel, especially when sharing scenes with Lieutenant Elliott (LaKeith Stanfield). LaKeith being more youthful and purposely witty. The two together fit the theme of contrasts. Ransom Drysdale (Chris Evans) is another standout. The charisma, subtle humor, and facial acting of Evans commands attention in every scene he’s in. Ana de Armas as Marta Cabrera is perfect in her role. She embodies pure contrast to the movie’s overall plot. The scenes with Marta and Blanc are what make movies like this enjoyable. Also, with a remaining cast of Jaimie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Katherine Langford, Michael Shannon, Christopher Plummer, Jaeden Martell, and Riki Lindhome, the family disfunction felt very real. Consequently, leading to very funny moments.

Knives Out releases in theaters on November 27th. Have fun at the movies!

Director: Rian Johnson

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 2h 10m

Rating: 4.5 out of 5[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOg3AoRc4nI” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]