Knives Out Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A rich guy dies, a quirky detective investigates his awful family, and the hot nurse inherits everything, causing everyone to get stabby.

🍿 Knives Out: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Family Gathering and a Mysterious Death

Wealthy crime novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead in his mansion the morning after his 85th birthday party, seemingly by suicide. Detective Benoit Blanc is mysteriously hired to investigate, joining the local police in questioning the Thrombey family. Each member has their own secrets and potential motives, setting the stage for a complex whodunit.

Marta’s Secret and the Will Reading

Harlan’s nurse, Marta Cabrera, harbors a secret: she mistakenly administered a potentially fatal dose of medication but took steps to cover it up. The family is shocked when Harlan’s will is read, revealing that he has left his entire estate to Marta, sparking outrage and suspicion amongst the Thrombeys. This unexpected inheritance makes Marta a prime suspect and target.

Unraveling the Truth and a Web of Lies

As Blanc investigates, Marta becomes entangled in a web of lies and deceit, struggling to protect herself while concealing her actions. Ransom Drysdale, Harlan’s grandson, initially appears to help Marta, but his true intentions are far more sinister. The investigation uncovers hidden motives and reveals that nearly everyone in the Thrombey family had a reason to want Harlan dead.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig): A debonair private detective mysteriously hired to investigate Harlan Thrombey’s death.
• Marta Cabrera (Ana de Armas): Harlan Thrombey’s nurse who becomes entangled in the investigation due to a medication mix-up.
• Ransom Drysdale (Chris Evans): The spoiled grandson of Harlan Thrombey, who is cut out of the will and becomes a prime suspect.
• Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer): The wealthy crime novelist whose death sets off a complex murder investigation.
• Linda Drysdale (Jamie Lee Curtis): Harlan’s eldest daughter, a successful businesswoman with secrets of her own.
• Walt Thrombey (Michael Shannon): Harlan’s youngest son, who runs his father’s publishing company and harbors resentment.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Benoit Blanc: “It’s a weird case from the start. A case with a hole in the center. A doughnut.” – Blanc uses a doughnut analogy to describe the case’s central mystery and missing piece.
• Ransom Drysdale: “Up yours, Dad!” – Ransom says this phrase multiple times, showcasing his rebellious and entitled attitude.
• Benoit Blanc: “I suspect foul play.” – Blanc declares his suspicion, signaling the start of his investigation.
• Harlan Thrombey: “I win, by moving a single stone.” – Harlan says this while playing Go with Marta, foreshadowing his ability to control events even in death.
• Marta Cabrera: “I’m not a good person.” – Marta says this revealing her internal conflict, and moral compass.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $165,363,234
• Worldwide Gross: $312,897,920

💥 Knives Out Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Knives Out’! It’s the perfect blend of mystery, humor, and social commentary. From the moment Benoit Blanc arrived, I was hooked, and the plot twists kept me guessing until the very end. I especially enjoyed Ana de Armas’ performance as Marta; she brought so much heart to the film. It’s a movie I can watch again and again!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Agatha Christie-style murder mysteries”
  • “Viewers who enjoy ensemble cast films”
  • “Those looking for a clever and suspenseful thriller with comedic elements”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some violence and disturbing images”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Thematic elements related to wealth, privilege, and family conflict”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Rian Johnson masterfully reinvents the whodunit for a modern audience, delivering a sharp, witty, and endlessly surprising film. The ensemble cast is superb, and Daniel Craig’s performance is a delight. A must-see for mystery lovers.
• RogerEbert.com: “A clever and stylish thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. Johnson’s direction is impeccable, and the film’s social commentary adds depth to the classic murder mystery formula. Ana de Armas shines as the moral center of the story.
• Variety: “Knives Out is a wickedly entertaining blend of suspense, humor, and social commentary. Rian Johnson’s script is expertly crafted, and the cast delivers standout performances. Daniel Craig steals the show with his eccentric detective, Benoit Blanc.

Audience Reactions

The unexpected plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat!: Viewers praised the clever writing, stellar performances, and the fresh take on the whodunit genre.

Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc is the best detective since Hercule Poirot.: Many movie fans highlighted Daniel Craig’s brilliant performance and the comedic moments, which were unexpected.

Overall Consensus: A highly entertaining and clever murder mystery with stellar performances and sharp writing.

Awards

1. Critics’ Choice Movie Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 2020

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Rian Johnson has stated that he conceived the idea for ‘Knives Out’ over ten years before production began, inspired by his love for Agatha Christie novels and classic whodunits.”
• “The film features numerous Easter eggs and references to classic mystery novels and films, including nods to Agatha Christie’s ‘And Then There Were None’ and ‘The Mousetrap’.”
• “The Thrombey house was filmed at two separate locations: the Ames Mansion in Borderland State Park (Sharon, Massachusetts) for exterior shots and a private residence in Maynard, Massachusetts for interior scenes.”

🖥️ How to Watch Knives Out?

Knives Out is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, where it may be available to rent or buy. It’s also often found on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for digital rental or purchase. Check your local cable provider’s on-demand service as well. For physical copies, major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Target typically carry the Blu-ray and DVD versions.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Knives Out, you might like these similar films:

• Clue (1985): A comedic whodunit with an ensemble cast and a sprawling mansion setting, creating a similar lighthearted and mysterious atmosphere.
• Murder on the Orient Express (2017): Features a brilliant detective solving a murder on a train with a cast of suspicious characters, capturing the essence of classic mystery novels.
• The Last of Sheila (1973): A group of wealthy friends gathers on a yacht for a scavenger hunt that turns deadly, unveiling secrets and motives in a stylish, suspenseful manner.
• Gosford Park (2001): A country house murder mystery with a large ensemble cast, exploring class dynamics and hidden secrets among the wealthy elite.
• Game Night (2018): A group of friends’ game night turns into a real-life mystery, blending comedy and suspense in a modern, engaging way.

🛒 Knives Out Related Products

• Knives Out (Blu-ray): Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray, featuring bonus content like behind-the-scenes footage and commentary from director Rian Johnson. A must-have for any fan of the movie.
• Clue: Knives Out Edition Board Game: Experience the classic Clue game with a Knives Out twist. Solve the mystery in the Thrombey mansion with familiar characters and unique weapons. A fun and engaging game for the whole family.
• Knives Out: The Official Movie Novelization: Relive the thrilling story of Knives Out with the official novelization. Dive deeper into the minds of the characters and uncover new details about the mystery. Available as an eBook or audiobook.
• Knives Out Inspired ‘Blanc’s Clues’ T-Shirt: Show off your love for the film with this stylish T-shirt featuring a quote by Benoit Blanc. Made from high-quality materials, this shirt is comfortable and perfect for everyday wear.

🎧 Soundtrack

Knives Out features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Inspector” – performed by Tal Bergman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How To Do A Plot Twist – Knives Out

Curious about how Rian Johnson crafted the clever twists in Knives Out? This video breaks down his masterful storytelling techniques, comparing it to his work on Star Wars: The Last Jedi. It’s a fascinating look into the mind of a brilliant filmmaker.

KNIVES OUT (2019) Twist + Ending Explained

Want to dive into the intricate plot of Knives Out? This video provides a thorough breakdown of the movie’s twists and ending, leaving no stone unturned. It’s a must-watch for fans who appreciate a well-crafted mystery.

KNIVES OUT 2019 Breakdown! Hidden Easter Eggs & Visual Analysis!

Ready to uncover the hidden gems in Knives Out? This video takes you on a journey through the movie, pointing out Easter eggs and analyzing the visual elements that bring the story to life. It’s a treat for fans who want to delve deeper into the world of the film.

Therapist Reacts to KNIVES OUT

Ever wondered how a therapist would analyze the dysfunction in Knives Out? This video offers a fascinating perspective, delving into the family’s issues and exploring how they impact the story. It’s a refreshing and insightful take on the film.

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