Knives Out is a jolly good whodunit. Big cast,
plenty of plot curves and twists, a creepy old family manor, and just when you
think you know…wait there’s more. This is a very fun flick to enjoy – a nice
break from the holiday scramble.
Oliver Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) has the family
gathered for his 85th birthday. Everyone has a selfish reason to be
there and they are counting on inheritance money someday. Well, Oliver, a
renowned mystery author, is found dead the next morning with his throat slit.
Suicide? Or murder? The siblings and spouses gather – Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris
Evans, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon, Toni Collette, along with the nurse (Ana
de Armas) to be questioned by police and a hired (by whom?) private
investigator, Blanc (played with great fun by Daniel Craig sporting a southern
accent).
Who argued with whom? Who stormed out? Who’s been double
dipping? Who manages the publishing company and wants to expand to movies and
tv? Who’s self-made but still seeks daddy’s approval? Oh the knives are out
everywhere, along with footprints in the mud, dogs barking in the middle of the
night, and Oliver’s mother (yes, she must be over 100) who seems to always be
at the right window at the right time. What did she see?
Daniel Craig is a hoot pondering the clues, questioning the
red herrings, and keeping this self-absorbed selfish family (all well-acted and
great to see in combinations) on its toes. Knives Out is quite
clever, very entertaining, and might make you appreciate your own family,
however modest your gatherings, even more. I can tell you it was not Mr.
Mustard in the library with the candlestick. Enjoy!
