Rian Johnson makes a comeback with a great cast, original story, and amazing sets in "Knives Out"

Following his divisive inclusion in the Star Wars saga with 2018’s “The Last Jedi”, director Rian Johnson was under the magnifying glass in Hollywood to see if his next feature would be equally as controversial or infamous. But with a story that feels perfectly old-fashioned in a modern light, “Knives Out” brings Hollywood its first original murder mystery in years. With solid performances all around, the film is both comedic and tense in all the right moments, only faltering with its far-too extensive cast which was poorly marketed.

When famous crime novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead in his eccentric mansion the morning after his 85th birthday party, his extensive family is soon questioned and interrogated via renowned private investigator Benoit Blanc, played expertly and comedically by Daniel Craig in his most unique role. Blanc’s investigation leads to an extensive search around the premises, discovering more and more with each room, and an uncovering of crime and fowl play from Harlan’s children and relatives. The first act is fun, hilarious, and intriguing as you learn facts and failures of the family, and you simultaneously learn with Blanc that a majority of the family have motives for murder.

While Daniel Craig may be the leading star in the investigation, the heart of the film and the main character befalls upon Ana De Armas’ Marta, Harlan’s caretaker and best friend. De Armas’ performance is a perfect inlet for the audience with a relatable, emotional, and humane character who finds herself the victim of blackmail and a grand scheme of betrayal.

Alongside De Armas and Craig is a great performance from Marvel veteran Chris Evans, who plays the role of a swaggering and selfish playboy perfectly. His comedic abilities excel, and he is equally as intriguing and threatening as the main focus of the Thrombey family. 

Beyond the main three, however, the rest of the cast feels left out and unimportant after the first act. The performances are well done and the characters have their fun and interesting moment, but are left out once the investigation leaves Harlon’s estate.

The soundtrack and score are also very expertly done, as they make for tense or frightening scenes throughout, along with songs that work well for scenes of lightheartedness and tension breakers. The cinematography and production design are executed together very well, and each shot inside the eccentric mansion looks like a painting in an art gallery, with the backgrounds of many scenes in the mansion being filled with books and extravagant decor that gives the setting a unique style. In many ways, the mansion feels like a character in-and-of itself.

I won’t say much about the plot in order to avoid spoilers, but the way in which the murder mystery is told allows the audience to remain questioning the story and characters’ involvement in it the entire film, despite important knowledge being revealed early on. The ending is especially satisfying, as all of the plot threads are tied together, small and subtle details are reintroduced to conclude the mystery, and the twists are revealed in a way that keeps you guessing and shocked until the final scenes.

Conclusion: “Knives Out” is a great ‘whodunnit?’ story that feels unique and original in a marketplace filled with far too many sequels and reboots. With a great cast and an excellent screenplay, this is a perfect example of mixing both comedy and tension, and how to properly execute twist endings and shocking reveals.

Rating: 8/10