Knives Out

In the heart of a lavish, sprawling estate, the body of Harlan Thrombey, a celebrated author of pulp fiction novels, lies lifeless. The gruesome discovery sets off a chain reaction of events that entwines a complex web of relationships and motives, propelling detective Benoit Blanc to unravel the tangled threads of Harlan's demise. Harlan's family members grapple with the family patriarch's untimely death, which they perceive as a result of possibly a crime of opportunity rather than an actual premeditated act, however, upon closer inspection, one realises just how perilously each of them was situated and embedded within a world of toxic alliances and loyalties that threatened to cut one down at any moment. Banished to a remote study nestled deep within the majestic manor, Detective Blanc initiates an in-depth investigation, gathering insights and evidence in the midst of unraveling an intensely intricate mystery that spans several narrative layers. Harlan's surviving family consists of various personalities and egos, predominantly defined by their complex relationships and seemingly symbiotic interactions. His trusted wife, Donna, an alluring woman in her late 60s, is frequently heard reflecting on their seemingly blissful partnership. They've reached a significant milestone, as she states: "His 85th birthday symbolized the completion of our marriage." A seemingly affectionate moment, however obscure secrets lurk just beneath their devoted facade, echoing in the opinions of Harlan's guests. His son Walter 'Walt' Thrombey, the spoiled heir, has grown accustomed to inherit his father's multi-million-dollar fortune. Walt possesses a ruthless outlook, with motives that don's hide from those in close proximity to him. Many perceive Walt as a greedy, reckless opportunist, who harbours resentment and loathing deep within. Furthermore, an insightful cast of members would ultimately not merely view his temperament but are rather in open disagreement considering his credibility. In the midst of Harlan's family turmoil, Detective Blanc encounters a loyal family worker, Frank Gustafson. Gustafson leads the household's employees and strives diligently to maintain harmony among the family's members. Given his level of devotion, one comes to wonder: Does he merely serve the Thrombeys to ensure his own employment or also as a display of sympathy for the household? When an intensive investigation starts, Detective Blanc is handed a suspect list with highly esteemed artists. Everyone from David Cash, Harlan's hard-headed editor, Ransom Drysdale, Harlan's business partner and assistant manager Michael "Micro" Peterson makes an appearance. They seem innocent and polished yet somehow are caught up in this desperate plot. Several details continue to be drawn into focus. Taking centre stage are Harlan's several famous crime novels such as a compelling set of tantalizing illustrations created into films. In this peculiar crime saga involving murder, thieves, and deception, no allegiance prevails, which has naturally attracted more characters in a state of frenzy as families reassembled their lives after the death of their venerated creator. As Detective Blanc methodically identifies suspects and dismisses them simultaneously, the complex sequence of events produces little by little to a clearer picture. Given that detectives and experts can in fact not be easily tied to criminal actions instantly, he examines each case closely before releasing anyone. With such substantial information, we begin to build up momentum heading to the climax as Detective Blanc works to bring in to culmination his perception about Harlan's crime through solid facts linked to significant events that eventually unfold. Through it all, one becomes aware that nothing, not even the deceased's death, remains inconsequential. His family, guests, friends, and key workers witnessed on more than one occasion and expressed their feelings associated with disloyalty that caused chaos among family while taking lives as we saw in films produced from Harlan's fiction.