Late last year, “Knives Out” was released and made itself an immediate hit. Critics raved about the star-studded film, which was nominated for several Golden Globes and an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. 

The movie drew audiences around the world and earned a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. “Knives Out” looked like a success, and it lived up to its reputation.

The film explored the death of Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer). After the wealthy novelist was found dead in his study, Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) led an in-depth investigation of everyone in the house the night of the crime.

Written and directed by Rian Johnson, who also worked on “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”, “Knives Out” was ever so enthralling. 

Careful attention to detail and nuance made this movie what it is— a classic murder mystery.

It was complex, including many important details and just as many distracting ones. Rian Johnson also alluded to crime shows such as “Murder, She Wrote” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” 

He kept the essence of a traditional murder mystery, while adding new and refreshing twists. Every character was different, each with a unique relationship to Harlan, as well as a unique motive to harm him.

The score was also notable and interesting. Composed by Nathan Johnson, the pieces were performed by a full orchestra. However, the music was not mushy and dull, but sharp and clear. The score followed the tone of the scenes, and could quickly shift as an optimistic scene took an ominous turn.

There were so many twists and turns to this story, and it was so entertaining. The dramatic cuts, picturesque house, and vivid color-schemes also exaggerated the playful, almost Clue-like, aspects of the movie. 

Audiences can follow along and unravel the mystery of Harlem Thrombey’s death.

“It was a great murder mystery movie, something I haven’t seen in a long time. ‘Knives Out’ will leave you in shock and you won’t be disappointed,” said John Serrano (‘21).

The cast was also undeniably great, featuring Ana De Armas, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Katherine Langford, and more. Despite holding iconic roles, these reputable actors successfully embodied their characters: Captain America fully transformed into Ransom Thrombey, and James Bond into Detective Blanc.

“Knives Out” was original and unpredictable. The plot was anything but simple, and the characters were anything but innocent; as quoted by Detective Blanc (Daniel Craig), “they [were] a pack of vultures: knives out, beaks bloody.”