Written by Negan Fu, Photo courtesy of IMDB
Picture a brisk fall day. The gradually falling leaves have changed colors for the season. A breeze blows through the empty branches that pushes people inside and onto a comfy chair next to the crackling fireplace. There’s something inherently soothing about autumn. However, for the dysfunctional Thrombey family, this feeling of tranquility does not sit for long.
When Harlan Thrombey, the patriarch of the family, is found dead the day after his 85th birthday, his descendants are thrown into a state of turmoil. From spoiled playboy Ransom Drysdale [Chris Evans] to the insincere Megan Thrombey [Katherine Langford], each of the family members is flawed in their own way. But it is their mutual greed that causes a bitter attitude among them.
Given the fact that Harlan’s will seems to take precedence over his death, it is fair to say that the Thrombey family consists of some pretty unlikeable people. Fortunately, their unappealing personalities conflict in hilarious ways, providing the perfect environment for a murder mystery.
Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” drops the viewer into what seems like a conventional whodunit before quickly shifting gears, causing the story to play out far differently than what was anticipated. Not much else can be said about this without delving into spoiler territory, but needless to say, the film subverts the whodunit genre brilliantly. It maintains the element of suspense found in these types of narratives, while also keeping the genre fresh and exciting.
Perhaps, one of the most interesting touches on the film is the modern-day setting. Past stories in the murder mystery realm have traditionally been set in the past, but “Knives Out” takes place in the present. As a result, the viewer is treated to a slew of amusing contemporary references, from one of the characters live streaming a family debacle, to the Thrombeys arguing on the subject of immigration. Minor things like these are part of what makes the film not just refreshing, but relevant.
With a handful of larger-than-life individuals who play off of each other in a wildly comedic manner, “Knives Out” is undoubtedly a comedy, yet the film contains more than just witty humor. By subverting narrative conventions within the whodunit genre, the film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as it delivers a highly enjoyable and engaging story. When going into “Knives Out,” expect the unexpected.
