Knives Out

Harlan Thrombey is found dead in his study, with a slit throat and blood covering him, after Fran, the housekeeper, discovers his body. She drops her breakfast tray in shock upon finding him, indicating the moment of death or discovery.

A week after Harlan's funeral, Marta wakes up in her family’s house, distressed and informed she needs to return to the Thrombey estate for questioning. Her sister criticizes her, hinting at underlying family tensions following the funeral and suspicion surrounding Marta.

Detectives question the family members at the Thrombey mansion, including Linda, Walt, Joni, Ransom, and others, while Benoit Blanc introduces himself as the private investigator hired to uncover the truth about Harlan’s death.

Family members recall heated arguments with Harlan over his will, including Walt’s dispute over being fired from his publishing company and Richard’s argument over moving Nana to a nursing home. Ransom’s absence and his past conflict with Harlan are highlighted.

Harlan’s recent amended will is revealed, leaving his entire estate to Marta, which shocks the family. This alters the family’s expectations and increases tensions, especially among Ransom and the others who expected to inherit his fortune.

Marta recalls she administered Harlan his medications after a game of Go, accidentally giving him a lethal dose of morphine due to reading the labels incorrectly. Harlan, aware he is dying, urges Marta to leave, then trips her as he trips over the needle, leading to his death.

Using a clever ruse, Marta impersonates Harlan by wearing his clothes and leaves the house to create an alibi, while Harlan, now dead, is found with a self-inflicted wound. Marta struggles to suppress her anxiety and guilt after witnessing his suicide.

Blanc, with Marta’s help, examines the grounds for clues, discovering the broken trellis and muddy footprints indicating someone snuck back into the house. Scenes involve scrutinizing the security footage and shoeprints to piece together the night’s events.

Ransom arrives during family attributions, rebuffing accusations, and belittling Marta. The family bickers about Harlan’s estate and their own motives, revealing deep-seated greed and political conflicts, escalating tensions.

Harlan’s new will is read, unexpectedly leaving everything to Marta. The family erupts in chaos, especially Ransom, who leaves abruptly, hinting at deeper motives for his actions and resentment towards Marta’s inheritance.

Ransom secretly switches the labels of the morphine and its counteragent, intending to cause Marta’s overdose and frame her for Harlan’s death. His plan is driven by jealousy and greed, and he begins to cover his tracks by burning evidence.

Fran, the housekeeper, overdoses from a morphine vial Ransom stole, and threatens Ransom with a copy of the toxicology report, which Ransom later destroys by setting fire to the medical examiner’s office. This complicates the investigation and Ransom’s plans.

During a tense standoff, Ransom admits to manipulating evidence and framing Marta. They struggle, with Ransom attempting to attack her but ultimately being thwarted. Blanc and the investigators reveal Ransom’s guilt, ending his scheme.

Marta, overwhelmed by guilt and chaos, ultimately escapes in Ransom’s car, leaving her past behind while the police apprehend Ransom. She is left to decide her future, with Blanc acknowledging her good heart and integrity.

Marta watches from a balcony, reflecting on the events and her new independence. Ransom is taken away in custody, and the family is left to mourn their loss and reckon with their greed and entitlement, leaving Marta in control of Harlan’s estate and future.