Knives Out: Rian Johnson’s Clever Spin on the Classic Murder Mystery

Last Updated on April 22, 2026

Knives Out is a film that takes the classic murder mystery formula and gives it a fresh, modern twist, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Directed by Rian Johnson, this movie is a delightful puzzle that invites the audience to play detective alongside its quirky and sharp-witted protagonist, Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig.

What makes the movie stand out is how it balances its homage to classic whodunnits with a contemporary edge.

The film cleverly subverts many of the genre’s tropes while still delivering the twists and turns that make these stories so satisfying.

Each character, from the spoiled grandson played by Chris Evans to the devoted nurse portrayed by Ana de Armas, is brought to life by an outstanding ensemble cast, making every scene crackle with tension and dark humour.

Knives Out is not just a movie; it’s a cozy crime experience that challenges you to think critically, laugh, and enjoy the ride.

The Death of Harlan Thrombey

The story kicks off with the death of Harlan Thrombey, a wealthy crime novelist played by the legendary Christopher Plummer.

Harlan dies on the night of his 85th birthday, surrounded by his family. At first glance, his death seems to be a straightforward suicide.

However, as the brilliant detective Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig, enters the scene, it quickly becomes clear that there’s more to the story.

Hired by an anonymous client, Blanc begins to unravel the mystery, suspecting foul play.

As he digs deeper, it turns out that everyone in the Thrombey family had a motive for wanting Harlan dead.

His son Walt (Michael Shannon) was about to be fired from the family business. His daughter-in-law Joni (Toni Collette) had been embezzling money from him. Grandson Hugh Ransom (Chris Evans) was being cut out of the will, and son-in-law Richard (Don Johnson) was about to have his affair exposed.

The last person to see Harlan alive was his nurse and close confidante, Marta (Ana de Armas).

As the story unfolds, Marta becomes a central figure in the investigation, and the question remains: did Harlan really take his own life, or was he murdered?

The suspense keeps building as Blanc works through the clues, leading to a surprising and satisfying conclusion.

Rian Johnson With Another Cracker

Written and directed by Rian Johnson, who is also known for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Knives Out is a masterclass in modern mystery storytelling.

The film is engaging from start to finish, and if you’re a fan of murder mysteries, you’ll have a blast trying to piece together the puzzle, although don’t be surprised if the ending catches you off guard—it’s a tricky one!

What sets it apart from other films in the genre is its clever script and well-rounded characters.

Each member of the ensemble cast gets a moment to shine, portraying their roles with a mix of believability and suspicion that keeps the audience guessing.

The film avoids the usual clichés and instead offers a fresh take on the genre that feels both nostalgic and new.

More Benoit Blanc

Given the film’s universal acclaim and massive box office success – it grossed over $312 million worldwide – it’s no surprise that Netflix quickly snapped up the rights for two sequels.

In March 2021, the streaming giant shelled out a whopping $469 million for the deal, ensuring that fans of Benoit Blanc’s sleuthing skills will have more mysteries to enjoy.

The first sequel, titled Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, sees Rian Johnson returning as both writer and director, with Daniel Craig reprising his role as the eccentric detective.

This time, Blanc finds himself in Greece, where tech billionaire Miles Bron has invited his friends for a getaway on his private island. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Knives Out mystery without a murder to solve, and Blanc is once again on the case!

The second Netflix movie, but the third in the series is called Wake Up Dead Man and, again boasts an all star cast including Daniel Craig, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Glenn Close, Andrew Scott, Jeremy Renner and Kerry Washington.

It was filmed in the UK in the Summer of 2024 and is set for release in 2025.