Knives Out

Harlan Thrombey, a wealthy crime novelist, gathers his family at his luxurious mansion to celebrate his 85th birthday. The evening is filled with laughter, family stories, and the typical facade of familial harmony, setting the stage for the events that follow.

The next morning, Fran, Harlan's housekeeper, stumbles upon a grisly scene: Harlan has been found dead in his study, apparently having taken his own life. The shocking discovery sends ripples of disbelief and suspicion among the family members gathered in the mansion.

Private detective Benoit Blanc is hired anonymously to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding Harlan's death. With his keen sense of observation and deduction, Blanc begins to unravel the tangled web of family dynamics and hidden grievances.

As Blanc questions the Thrombey family, it becomes clear that there are deep-seated tensions. Harlan had threatened to expose Richard Drysdale for infidelity, causing anxiety among family members about the potential consequences of his revelations.

Harlan had recently cut off his daughter-in-law Joni's allowance due to her embezzlement of his funds. This act left Joni feeling cornered and desperate, indicating she had a motive for wanting Harlan out of the picture.

Walt, Harlan's youngest son, is discovered to have been dismissed from the family publishing company, further intensifying the family rivalry. He appears resentful and is quick to point fingers during the investigation, hinting at a desire for vengeance.

The family's anxieties about their inheritances peak when they learn that Harlan disinherited Ransom, his lazy grandson. Ransom’s bitter resentment adds another layer of conflict to the investigation as potential motives for Harlan's death become clearer.

Marta, Harlan's devoted nurse, unwittingly becomes a key figure in the case after having administered medication. Her struggles to maintain her integrity while being questioned by Blanc lead her deeper into the tangled web of family deception.

Amidst rising tensions, Ransom approaches Marta and offers his support, acting as an unexpected ally. His guidance aims to help her navigate through the chaos and threats posed by the rest of the family who are angry about the inheritance.

As the investigation deepens, evidence of blackmail surfaces, hinting at darker motives within the family. Marta and Ransom join forces to uncover hidden truths about the circumstances leading to Harlan's death and the family’s greed.

Ransom's unscrupulous actions are revealed when he is found to have tampered with Marta's medication. His manipulations reflect not only his desperation to reclaim his inheritance but also the extent to which he will go to protect his interests.

In a climactic twist, Marta ingeniously employs deception during her questioning to protect herself and distill the truth of Harlan's demise. Her ability to manipulate the situation elucidates her cleverness and moral integrity amid chaos.

The investigation culminates in a shocking confession from Ransom, revealing the deep-seated issues within the Thrombey family. This moment is pivotal as it unveils the extent of betrayal and greed that overshadowed Harlan's life.

In the wake of Harlan's death and the unraveling of family secrets, Marta emerges as the unexpected heir to Harlan's mansion and fortune. This ending presents a bittersweet conclusion as she reflects on the tragic events and the fractured Thrombey family.