A Murder Mystery Worthy of Agatha Christie: A Review of ‘Knives Out’ (2019)

[my_elementor_php_output]

‘Knives Out’ is an inventive, suspense-filled and devilishly intriguing tribute to the murder mystery genre that powerfully remind us of the timeless influence of the Queen of Crime herself, Agatha Christie. However, it’s not just an ordinary rehash of conventional narratives; it pushes the boundaries of the genre, reinvigorating it with a fresh perspective.

Directed by Rian Johnson, ‘Knives Out’ is a beautifully presented, lively film trailing the intricacies of a murder investigation within a complex mystery novelist’s family. Its narrative skillfully keeps you hooked from the inciting incident until the climactic revelation, guiding you through a roller-coaster of suspense, power play, intense drama, and occasional humor. Through these concerted efforts, the film successfully paints a canvas reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel, explicitly echoing the ingenuity of her most notable works.

The film’s strength lies in its tantalizingly slow reveals coupled with compelling characters deftly portrayed by a stellar ensemble, including Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas, Chris Evans, and Jamie Lee Curtis, to name a few. Craig plays the flamboyant detective Benoit Blanc, who’s been anonymously hired to solve the enigmatic death of renowned novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer). Ana de Armas shines as Marta, Thrombey’s nurse, confidant and the emotional core of the film. The complex interplay among the Thrombey family adds depth and entertainment to the narrative.

The screenplay is neither overbearing nor underwhelming, but perfectly marinated in satire, wit, and innuendos. Rian Johnson’s direction masterfully ferries this ensemble aboard his remarkable storytelling prowess. The attention to detail in the narrative is noteworthy, with every minute aspect being crucial to the plot, making it a delightful viewing for the fans of the genre.

However, ‘Knives Out’ extends beyond the classic structure of a murder mystery. It interweaves elements of social commentary, subtly satirizing wealth, entitlement, immigration, and the false facades within family dynamics. These elements fuel the storyline, creating a fascinating tapestry far exceeding the expectations of a conventional whodunit. In this respect, Johnson strikes gold as he skillfully balances these intense, thought-provoking themes with a humorous, light-hearted tone that keeps the audiences engrossed.

Daniel Craig’s distinctive performance as Benoit Blanc, donning a Southern accent and evident eccentricities, is a far cry from his more conventional roles such as James Bond. The same can be said for Chris Evans, who departs from his righteous image of Captain America to showcase a more self-serving, arrogant character, thus giving a robust breadth of characterization to the film.

Ana de Armas is the heart of the film, eliciting sympathy and curiosity. Her character Marta serves as a moral compass amidst the familial chaos, providing a poignantly humane touch to the intrigue unfolding around her.

The movie’s cinematography is worth mentioning as it captures the grandeur of the Thrombey mansion, accentuating the eerie suspense. The mansion, filled with cleverly hidden clues, intriguing antiquities, and secret tunnels transforms into a vital character in itself, mirroring Christie’s love for eccentricities.

The zippy pacing and the constant surprises of ‘Knives Out’ are the trademarks of Agatha Christie’s classic detective stories. While the film’s plot maintains enough complexity to keep the audiences guessing, it doesn’t get weighed down by its labyrinthine design, thus retaining its charm and entertainment quotient.

Rian Johnson’s ‘Knives Out’ is a scintillating tribute to Agatha Christie and her legacy in the murder mystery genre. It’s inventive, thrilling, and surprisingly humorous, conclusively crafting a universe you cannot help but get involved in. It pays homage to the genre’s traditions while turning some of its conventions on their heads. In doing so, it resurrects the murder mystery for contemporary audiences, leaving them begging for more. ‘Knives Out’ is unequivocally a must-watch piece of cinema that elegantly marries classic mystery aesthetics with modern storytelling sensibility.

Share this article: A Murder Mystery Worthy of Agatha Christie: A Review of ‘Knives Out’ (2019)

Facebook
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Pinterest
Twitter
Email

MORE TOPICS

My goal was to create an elevated genre film that examines the last days in the life of a religious cult. It is rare to find films like these that are more than just cheap thrills aimed at the lowest common denominator. It was important to me not to portray these characters as mindless, psychotic cult members, but as relatable real people - Ti West

The Sacrament

The Sacrament is a American found footage horror thriller film directed by Ti West. The movie’s plot takes several elements from real life events such as the Jonestown Massacre of 1978.

Hollywood’s Enduring Legends: A Look at Iconic Actors and Actresses

Hollywood has been home to some of the most legendary actors and actresses in the history of the film industry. These iconic figures have left a lasting impact on the world of cinema and have become household names for their exceptional talent, charisma, and unforgettable performances. One of the most enduring legends in Hollywood is…

Jurassic Park 3D

With the 20th anniversary of one of Universal Pictures’ most enduring hits approaching, the studio decided to reissue the film in theaters across the world, approaching theater owners with the idea of a 3D post-conversion for one of Universal’s favorite adventures, stunningly restored in 4K.

2 Guns

Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg lead an all-star cast in 2 Guns, an explosive action film that tracks two operatives from competing bureaus who are forced on the run together. But there is a big problem with their unexpected partnership: Neither knows that the other is an undercover federal agent.

Bill Condon gained a lot of attention in 2010 when it was announced that he would direct both parts of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn adapted from the fourth and final novel in The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer.

Bill Condon

William “Bill” Condon (born October 22, 1955) is an American screenwriter and director. In 1998, Condon debuted as a screenwriter with Gods and Monsters, which won him his first Academy Award.