Grief is a hard thing to go through. It can manifest itself in a multitude of ways, both healthy and unhealthy. Perhaps, though, the hardest thing to go through outside of actually losing the person is the estate and legal trail that follows said death. I have no living grandparents. I lost them all before I turned twenty. I was a bit too young to remember the actual estate discussions. My only memories have been immortalized into pop culture mediums. Those I do know that have gone through have almost very little things to say. It’s as if something within us resorts to a primitive state. Ushering in greed and selfishness. Again, all of my knowledge comes second hand and through watching MANY, MANY movies.
Much like the many of movies I’ve seen on the subject, Rian Johnson, captures that spirit perfectly in his new film – Knives Out. Knives Out is a whodunit film which tells the story of a literature mogul and mystery novelist (Christopher Plummer) who turns up dead. The murder looks like a suicide, but to quote the P.I. in the movie, something foul is afoot. Knives Out boasts a rather impressive ensemble cast who all do a fantastic job. Before I get there – I have to brag on Rian Johnson. Johnson’s script is so well crafted. Continuously keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Honestly, this movie made me miss the days of eating cereal and watching Scooby-Doo. I know it seems kind of cliché to say but they honestly do not make movies like this anymore. Johnson never lets a minute go by without playing into every inch of the screen. His method of misdirection is so well choreographed. That just when you think you know how it will end – BAM, another turn. Masterfully embracing the mystery. As if his script wasn’t good enough, his camera work as a direction play hand in hand. The vision that Johnson boasts visually to accompany his script is equally as intoxicating.
Then the cast ensembled is a mixture of the elite in Hollywood and the upcoming. Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, Don Johnson, Chris Evans, Daniel Craig, Michael Shannon, Plummer, Katherine Langford, Ana de Armas – and it just goes on and on. For a cast this large, Johnson balances everyone almost perfectly. Fleshing out the son and daughter (Curtis, Shannon) of Plummer with ease. As well as those related to him through marriage in Johnson and Collette. Those characters that are fleshed out marry so well in the misdirection of the narrative wondrously. Though, with a cast this large, not all the characters are fleshed out. Offering nothing of real purpose to the narrative. Langford & Jaeden Martell are both grandchildren to Plummer. They are so flatly written, it begs the question why even have them in the first place?
Overall, Knives Out, is marvelously crafted whodunit. Writer/director, Rian Johnson, ambitiously crafts a multi-generational mystery where everyone appears guilty. Through the magic of misdirection will continuously have viewers on the edge of their seats. Johnson crafts a story that is entertaining, heartbreaking and funny all in the same breath. With Johnson behind the camera, Knives boasts a beautifully vivid mystery that will continue to keep you guessing throughout the entirety of the film. A cast boasting of Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Daniel Craig, Chris Evans & more – Johnson manages to use character development to feed into the misdirection of the script. Which in turn creates a finale so sweet and satisfying. Knives Out is a fun, satisfying and will make you want more films boasting the murder mystery narrative!
RORSCHACH RATING
And more importantly, if you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, addiction, self-harm or depression - please free feel to reach out. Use any of our resources, call the suicide lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or text 741-741.
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