In this current age of Covid delayed cinema releases, Netflix, Amazon Prime and other streaming sites are the new place for blockbuster movies through the upload of popular previously released films onto the platform. Therefore, this week’s choice courtesy of Amazon Prime is the release of 2019 murder mystery ‘Knives Out’. Review by Matthew MeehanÂ
Director Rian Johnson provides us with one of the slickest and fresh murder mystery films of the modern era. It is the work of someone who has proved time and again through such films as Looper (2012) and Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) that he is not afraid to take the rules and change them into something that completely freshens up a previously tired and monotonous genre. Â
In this dynamic tribute, Johnson takes the classic Agatha Christie template beloved by generations and combines it with a modern twist filled with social commentary on 2019’s America that evidences such smart self-awareness through its all-star cast that you’re dragged down the rabbit hole of this quirky and inventive production which somehow manages to always stay one step ahead and leave you guessing, mainly thanks to the utilisation of Daniel Craig whose charismatic portrayal as detective Benoit Blanc (minus a very debatable southern accent) presents a stark reminder that he will be just fine once he hangs up his James Bond tuxedo.Â
Emanating mostly from his gothic style mansion the story tells of family patriarch Harlan Thrombey, a retired crime writer who following his 85th birthday celebrations is found dead with his throat slit in the study as an apparent suicide. Following his death, all of the snakes come out of the woodwork to attend the will reading with hopes to bathe in the riches they are sure have been left behind.Â
Such additions to the cast as Chris Evans as Ransom, Harlan’s grandson and perennial money drain, Katherine Langford of 13 Reasons Why fame and horror cult hero Jamie Lee Curtis provide solid and entertaining performances that allow this film to immerse you in a world where while a few notes may not strike, overall you cannot help but be entertained.Â
Craig’s Blanc however isn’t the lead character in this tale of twists and turns. the real draw of this film is rising star Ana De Armas whose role as Latina nurse and ‘family charity case’ Marta Cabrera presents great strength in depth, especially considering the constant flicker between choosing right and wrong whilst shining as the bright spark within the walls of a dark and devious family. Through this performance, you are able to experience not only a story of greed but also the clear political undertones of elitism, racism and discrimination towards a first-generation immigrant (her mother illegally entered the country) especially as the action ramps up once detective Blanc utilises Cabrera to assist him and each family member tries their own tactics to bring her down.
Of course, the movie isn’t perfect- there are some tiny plot holes, there are way too many cast members here to effectively allow them all to shine and at times this convolutes part of the story making it a little hazy as to exactly what is going on, and with the presence of Daniel Craig also making it very difficult to see the need for the other two detectives also on the case. Yet despite this, Rian Johnson provides the audience with a very enjoyable 2-hour motion picture that is well-constructed, constantly developing and makes great use of all the comic tricks and ploys that compel the modern audience. The inclusion of flashbacks, misdirection and even certain camera angles all seamlessly blend together to provide a narrative that depicts the inequality of wealth and role reversal in a way that sends the viewer home satisfied with a few laughs, an insight into human nature and whole new take on the classic trope that is sure to be revisited at some point in the near future.Â
RATING:Â Â 4 Stars
