Knives Out

REVIEW:

Rian Johnson’s Knives Out is a film that bursts with character, humour, and style, managing to balance a traditional murder mystery with a modern twist. At its core, it thrives on the ensemble cast, each bringing their own brand of charm, ego, or venom to the screen. This group dynamic isn’t just good casting, it’s the DNA of the film, something that has since become a staple of the Knives Out franchise.

Daniel Craig is the beating heart of it all, stepping into the eccentric shoes of Benoit Blanc. It’s a role so completely unlike any of his others, especially when compared to his stoic portrayal of James Bond. His Southern drawl, odd little mannerisms, and sharp intellect create a detective that feels both ridiculous and brilliant at the same time. Craig clearly relishes the part, and watching him have fun with it makes the film that much more enjoyable.

One of the touches that immediately stood out to me was how the movie feels like a gameshow during the police interviews. Each family member gets their name flashed on the screen as they give their “truth” to the investigators, and it’s almost as if the audience is keeping score at home. This structure sets the tone perfectly. Combined with the deliciously petty back and forth between the family members, constantly cutting each other down and slinging insults, it feels less like a serious investigation and more like a dysfunctional competition.

The script is razor-sharp, blending biting wit with genuine intrigue. Rian Johnson ensures that every character has their moment, and the dialogue crackles with energy. The comedy never undercuts the tension, instead it gives the film a unique rhythm that keeps you invested. It’s not often a crime story can make you laugh while still keeping you glued to the mystery, but this one pulls it off.

Of course, the central narrative plays into the fun by showing the audience what seems to be the “truth” of events, only to yank the rug out later. Just when you think you know the path ahead, the film pivots, and suddenly you’re questioning everything you’ve just seen. That reveal at the end lands well, even if the road to it doesn’t fully embrace the “whodunnit” aspect I had been hoping for.

That’s my one major gripe. I wish Johnson had leaned harder into the Cluedo vibe. Every family member has a clear motive, and the setup begs for a classic guessing game. While the reveal works, the mystery could have been stronger if the narrative encouraged us to suspect each person equally rather than focusing so much on Marta. There was an opportunity to make the family dynamics even juicier, and that feels slightly underused.

Another frustration lies in how Blanc ultimately solves the case. It hinges on luck, specifically the blood results. Without that twist of fortune, Marta could easily have taken the fall. For a detective as sharp and flamboyant as Blanc, it feels underwhelming that the resolution depended so heavily on chance rather than deduction. And when the dust settles, the story leaves a lingering question: did Marta ever truly help the family in the end? It’s not something that needs a definitive answer, but a little closure there would have been satisfying.

Despite these quibbles, Knives Out remains a hugely entertaining first instalment. It’s a film that reinvigorates the murder mystery genre with flair, comedy, and a modern sense of personality. While I think Johnson could have played more with the “guess who” mechanics, the ensemble cast, Craig’s standout performance, and the clever script make it a must-watch. If you enjoy crime stories, this film is right up your alley, and it sets the stage brilliantly for a series that continues to grow, with a third film on the horizon later this year.