“Knives Out,” a suspense-filled murder mystery, stands out for its clever plot and witty narrative. Written and directed by Rian Johnson, the film centers around private detective Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig, as he investigates the mysterious death of renowned author Harlan Thrombey. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Michael Shannon, among others, who portray members of the Thrombey family, each with their own secrets and motives.
Plot Overview: A Murder Mystery Unfolds
The plot of “Knives Out” is set against the backdrop of a grand Massachusetts mansion, where Harlan Thrombey is found dead after celebrating his 85th birthday. Initially suspected to be a suicide, the investigation reveals a complex web of lies and deceit.
Benoit Blanc is hired to unravel the truth behind the murder, which involves Harlan’s strained relationships with his family members, each of whom is a potential suspect. The story delves into the personal conflicts and financial troubles of the Thrombey family, leading to the question of whether the death was truly a homicide.
Ana de Armas as Marta Cabrera (Photo: Knives Out/Lionsgate Films)As the investigation progresses, Benoit Blanc discovers that every family member harbors their own dark secrets, from financial instability to infidelity. The film builds suspense as each person is considered a suspect. However, the real twist in the narrative emerges when Blanc, through a series of investigations and flashbacks, uncovers the true identity of the killer.
In a shocking turn, the murderer is revealed to be Ransom, the grandson of Harlan, who plotted the murder to inherit his grandfather’s wealth after learning that Marta, the nurse, would be the sole heir to Harlan’s estate.
The True Killer and the Unraveling of the Plot
In a gripping flashback sequence, the film reveals that Ransom overheard his grandfather’s plans to leave everything to Marta, which led to a violent confrontation between them. Ransom then executed a carefully planned scheme to frame Marta for the murder, switching Harlan’s medications to ensure his death.
However, Marta’s innocence is proven when she teams up with Blanc to expose Ransom’s machinations. The final twist occurs when Marta, in a calculated move, tricks Ransom into confessing by lying about the fate of a crucial witness, Fran, who survived an earlier fire accident.
The film concludes with a memorable and unconventional ending. As Ransom is finally exposed, Marta claims her rightful inheritance. In the post-credits scene, Marta, once a humble nurse, stands proudly as the new owner of Harlan’s mansion, overlooking the mansion’s former occupants with an air of satisfaction.
The people who once lived in the mansion now eye Marta with jealousy and greed, highlighting the shift in power and the ultimate triumph of the previously wronged character. The film’s clever twists, sharp dialogue, and surprise ending make it a standout in the murder mystery genre.
