Knox Goes Away Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A hitman gets dementia, so he decides the best way to fix his life is to solve his son’s murder problem, turning it into a super weird, dark family reunion.

🍿 Knox Goes Away: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: Knox’s Diagnosis and Last Job

John Knox, a seasoned contract killer, receives a life-altering diagnosis: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rapid form of dementia. Facing a drastically shortened future, he decides to settle his affairs and retire. Before retiring, Knox takes on one last assignment alongside his partner, Thomas Muncie.

A Son’s Plea and Knox’s Intervention

The final job takes a dark turn when Knox accidentally kills Muncie amidst his dementia-fueled confusion. That same night, Knox’s estranged son, Miles, arrives seeking help, revealing he killed the man who assaulted his daughter. Knox, despite his deteriorating condition, decides to help his son cover up the crime.

The Elaborate Plan and Shifting Blame

Knox enlists the help of his friend, Xavier Crane, to set up his family financially and orchestrate his exit from the criminal world. Detective Emily Ikari begins piecing together the connections between the murders, with Knox becoming a prime suspect. In a calculated move, Knox plants evidence implicating Miles, leading to his son’s arrest.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• John ‘Aristotle’ Knox (Michael Keaton): A contract killer diagnosed with rapidly progressing dementia who attempts to redeem himself by saving his estranged son.
• Miles Knox (James Marsden): John Knox’s estranged son, who seeks his father’s help after committing a murder.
• Detective Emily Ikari (Suzy Nakamura): A determined detective investigating the murders connected to John and Miles Knox.
• Annie (Joanna Kulig): A Polish sex worker and book lover who befriends John Knox and becomes entangled in his plans.
• Xavier Crane (Al Pacino): A former thief and friend of John Knox who helps him execute his final plans.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• John Knox: “Cause if you did, I was going to dig him up and kill him again.” – Knox responds to his son when asked if he buried the man he killed, showcasing his dark humor and protective instincts.
• John Knox: “Did you bury this guy?” – Knox starts an odd conversation with his estranged son about an action he needed to take.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12 million
• Domestic Gross: $808,932
• Worldwide Gross: $1.1 million

💥 Knox Goes Away Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by “Knox Goes Away.” Michael Keaton’s portrayal of a hitman losing his mind is both heartbreaking and fascinating. The scene where he struggles to remember details while trying to help his son was gut-wrenching. Al Pacino’s smaller role adds a touch of brilliance. I didn’t expect to feel so much empathy for a character with such a dark past. This film really stuck with me, and I’ve been recommending it to everyone I know. This is a must see movie!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Michael Keaton”
  • “Viewers interested in crime thrillers with a focus on character study”
  • “Those who appreciate movies exploring themes of redemption and sacrifice”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong Language”
  • “Mature Themes (dementia, murder, sexual assault)”
  • “Suggestive Content”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Keaton delivers a career-defining performance, portraying the character’s decline with both sensitivity and unsettling realism. Though the pacing occasionally falters, the film is a compelling study of mortality and redemption, elevated by strong supporting performances from Pacino and Marsden.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “”Knox Goes Away” shines through Keaton’s strong direction and a script rich in moral ambiguity. The exploration of dementia adds a layer of profound sadness. The movie loses momentum in the second act but recovers with a twisty ending that viewers will be talking about.
• IndieWire: “Michael Keaton’s direction is sharp, focusing on the psychological depth of his character. The movie offers an intelligent take on the crime thriller genre, with the protagonist’s dementia adding depth and uncertainty. Strong narrative choices and excellent cast performance.

Audience Reactions

Keaton’s performance is phenomenal; truly captures the essence of someone battling dementia.: Viewers praise Keaton’s performance, direction, and the film’s clever plot.

The twist at the end was unexpected and beautifully executed, adding depth to the story.: The film’s ending has a twist that most found satisfying, while others thought that it was too predictable.

Overall Consensus: “Knox Goes Away” is critically acclaimed and praised by viewers for Michael Keaton’s exceptional performance and direction. Though some critics found the story issues hard to ignore, most agree it’s a worthwhile film with a unique and engaging premise.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Michael Keaton not only stars in ‘Knox Goes Away’ but also directs, marking his second directorial effort after ‘The Merry Gentleman’ (2008).”
• “Principal photography occurred in Los Angeles, California, from October to December 2022.”
• “The film explores themes of memory, redemption, and familial duty against the backdrop of a crime thriller.”

🖥️ How to Watch Knox Goes Away?

As of October 2024, ‘Knox Goes Away’ is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential theatrical runs and streaming availability on services like Hulu or Netflix in the near future. Consider supporting the film by purchasing a digital copy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Knox Goes Away, you might like these similar films:

• Memento (2000): Both films deal with the protagonist struggling with memory loss while navigating a complex crime-related plot.
• The Killer (1989): The story involves a hitman looking to make a final score before quitting, but is forced to do one last job.
• Prisoners (2013): Explores the desperate measures a father will take to protect his family, sharing a thematic similarity with the father-son dynamic.

🛒 Knox Goes Away Related Products

• Michael Keaton Movie Collection [DVD]: A DVD collection featuring some of Michael Keaton’s most iconic roles, offering fans a chance to revisit his impressive filmography and celebrate his talent beyond ‘Knox Goes Away’. Great choice for movie buffs.
• Al Pacino: An Actor’s Story: An in-depth biography that delves into the life and career of Al Pacino, offering insight into his acting process and the iconic roles that have defined his legacy. Provides more insight into a legend of the movie industry.
• Adult Weighted Blanket: This weighted blanket is designed to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, providing a calming effect that helps users unwind and sleep better. Good for coping with the stress of the movie’s tense plot, helping you feel relaxed.
• Dementia Activity Book for Seniors: Large Print Puzzles, Memory Games and More! [Paperback]: This large print puzzle and activity book is designed for seniors who are looking for an activity to occupy their mind and improve cognitive functionality. It provides simple and straightforward exercises to benefit those who have conditions like dementia.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “High on My Heels” – performed by Hans-Günter Bunz

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Michael Keaton on Playing Batman at the Oscars, Directing Al Pacino & the Beetlejuice Sequel

Want to hear Michael Keaton talk about directing Al Pacino? It’s wild! He also shares some cool stories about crafting backstories for his characters, which is always fascinating.

Michael Keaton on Creating Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice and Knox Goes Away with Al Pacino | Tonight Show

Did you know Michael Keaton played a significant role in creating the look of Beetlejuice?! He also talks about getting Al Pacino in his new movie Knox Goes Away, you gotta check it out!

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