Knives Out

Knives Out

Year: 2019

Runtime: 131 min

Language: English

DramaMysteryThrillerComedyCrime

Following the 85th birthday celebration of renowned mystery writer Harlan Thrombey, his death launches a complex investigation at his lavish mansion. A shrewd and enigmatic detective, Benoit Blanc, is enlisted to examine the circumstances, navigating a cast of potential suspects. Among them are Harlan’s eccentric family and his dedicated household staff, each with their own secrets and possible motives. Blanc must carefully analyze their alibis and relationships to uncover the truth behind this perplexing case.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Knives Out (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Knives Out (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary

The events of Knives Out take place in the contemporary period, reflecting modern family dynamics and societal issues. This time frame allows for themes like inheritance and the moral complexities of familial relationships to resonate within the film's narrative.

Location

Harlan's Mansion

Harlan's mansion is a grand estate that serves as the backdrop for the unfolding mystery. Known for its opulence, the mansion reflects the wealth and privilege of its owner, Harlan Thrombey, a successful crime novelist. Its lavish rooms and intricate design become a silent witness to the family's secrets and grievances.

🏰 Mansion 🏙️ Opulence

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:53

Main Characters – Knives Out (2019)

Meet the key characters of Knives Out (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Richard Drysdale (Don Johnson)

Richard is Harlan's son-in-law, who embodies arrogance and entitlement. His infidelity threatens to unravel his marriage, showcasing his selfish nature. Throughout the investigation, his desperation to protect his reputation becomes evident, as he seeks to hide his secrets at any cost.

👨‍👧‍👦 Family ⚖️ Infidelity

Ransom Drysdale (Chris Evans)

Ransom is Harlan's disinherited grandson, whose lazy and spoiled demeanor masks a cunning intelligence. Initially portrayed as an antagonist, his character evolves as he becomes an unexpected ally to Marta. Ransom's manipulative tactics are driven by his desire for Harlan's wealth, demonstrating his complex moral compass.

👨‍👦 Wealth 🤔 Manipulation

Marta Cabrera (Ana de Armas)

Marta is Harlan's devoted nurse, characterized by her compassion and integrity. Her deep moral conflict following Harlan's death adds depth to her character. Struggling with the burden of truth, her unique condition of feeling ill when lying makes her a pivotal figure in the unraveling mystery.

🩺 Loyalty 😰 Struggle

Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig)

Benoit Blanc is a clever and enigmatic private detective hired to solve Harlan's mysterious death. His keen observational skills and analytical mind allow him to navigate the complex family dynamics with ease. Blanc's charm and wit provide a refreshing take on the traditional detective archetype.

🕵️‍♂️ Detective 🧩 Intelligence

Fran (Edi Patterson)

Fran, the housekeeper, inadvertently becomes a crucial part of the mystery. Her presence in Harlan’s household highlights the class dynamics at play and the often-overlooked roles of service workers. As the investigation unfolds, her perspective sheds light on the family's dark underbelly.

🏠 Housekeeper 👀 Observer

Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer)

Harlan is the wealthy crime novelist whose death sparks the investigation. A complex figure with strained family relationships, his decisions regarding his fortune set off a chain reaction of betrayal and deceit. His legacy looms large even after his demise, affecting all who knew him.

✍️ Novelist 🧠 Genius

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:53

Major Themes – Knives Out (2019)

Explore the central themes of Knives Out (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗝️ Betrayal

Betrayal runs rampant within the Thrombey family as each member grapples with personal grievances and hidden agendas. The film exposes how familial ties can be overshadowed by greed and jealousy, leading to tragic consequences. Harlan's decision to cut off his relatives sets the stage for betrayal, pushing the narrative toward an unexpected climax.

🕵️ Mystery

The central premise of Knives Out revolves around the mystery of Harlan Thrombey's death. Private detective Benoit Blanc's investigation offers suspense and intrigue as truths are uncovered, weaving a complex web of lies and deceit. The unraveling of this mystery not only highlights the dark secrets of the Thrombey family but also challenges the audience's perception of guilt and innocence.

💰 Greed

Greed is a dominant theme, as each family member reveals their desire for Harlan's wealth and the lengths they will go to obtain it. This pursuit drives the plot forward, showcasing how financial desperation can lead to moral compromise. The film illustrates that material wealth comes at a cost, often resulting in fractured relationships and betrayal.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:53

Unlock the Full Story of Knives Out

Don't stop at just watching — explore Knives Out in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Knives Out is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Knives Out Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Knives Out, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Knives Out Summary

Knives Out Timeline

Track the full timeline of Knives Out with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Knives Out Timeline

Knives Out Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Knives Out? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Knives Out Ending Explained

More About Knives Out

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Knives Out: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Knives Out

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