Knives Out

The ending of Knives Out reveals a surprising yet logical conclusion to the mystery surrounding Harlan Thrombey’s death. From the start, the movie hints that Harlan’s death may not have been an ordinary suicide, and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Ransom Drysdale, Harlan’s grandson, is the true mastermind behind the scheme. Ransom’s goal was to manipulate the situation to inherit Harlan’s fortune himself, which leads him to tamper with the medicine and orchestrate a plan where Marta, Harlan’s nurse, would accidentally administer a lethal overdose. His original plan involved switching the medication and stealing the antidote to ensure Harlan would die from an overdose, or so he thought. However, the twist is that Marta, out of instinct and her genuine goodness, actually gave the correct and safe doses—despite Ransom’s interference—because she is a caring and honest nurse who notices the small details that others overlook.

Harlan’s death was intended by Ransom to look like a suicide, with Harlan even slitting his own throat to fake his death after being given morphine. But in reality, Harlan took his own life to cover for Marta, knowing the truth about Ransom’s interference. The shocking revelation comes when Ransom, believing he will be exposed and sent to prison, confesses his crimes after a clever confrontation led by detective Benoit Blanc. It turns out that Fran, the housekeeper, died after Ransom’s attempt on her, and Marta outsmarted him by recording his confession on her phone. Ransom’s plan unravelled because Marta’s inherent goodness and honesty exposed his lies, ultimately turning the tables on him.

In the end, Marta inherits Harlan’s estate, standing triumphant over the greedy and entitled Thrombey family who expected to benefit from Harlan’s wealth but were ultimately displaced by Marta’s kindness and integrity. The story’s deeper message criticizes inherited privilege and emphasizes the virtue of genuine goodness, as Marta’s humility and morality lead her to what’s right. The film’s ending is both satisfying and optimistic—showing that integrity and doing right by others can triumph over greed and entitlement, even in a world rife with deception and manipulation. It’s a clever, tightly woven conclusion that keeps viewers guessing until the very last moment, rewarding attentive audiences with a story that is as clever as it is heartfelt.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:58