

At A Glance
Sophisticated, contemporary who dunnit, which captures the essence of a good old fashioned murder mystery and then takes it to the next level.

Film Details
Directed by Rian Johnson
Written by Rian Johnson
Released by Lionsgate
2020, 131 minutes, 12
Available on Digital Download from 21st March
Available on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray, DVD, Steelbooks on 30th March
Cast
Christopher Plummer as Harlan Thrombey
Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc
Ana de Armas as Marta Cabrera
Jamie Lee Curtis as Linda Drysdale
Don Johnson as Richard Drysdale
Chris Evans as Ransom Drysdale
Michael Shannon as Walt Thrombey
Toni Collette as Joni Thrombey
LaKeith Stanfield as Lieutenant Elliott
A cutting edge, sharp witted who dunnit
By Claire Bueno
If you’re like me and have grown up watching, reading and utterly immersing yourself in fictional crime then Knives Out is for you!
Murder Mystery writer Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) finds himself at the centre of his own crime conundrum; was his death a murder or suicide? Enter Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) to determine the truth and uncover that if indeed there was foul play, who within the avaricious Thrombey inner sanctum is the culprit.
Knives Out is predominantly set in a sumptuously maintained country mansion. Think Cluedo; Coronal Mustard, in the library, with the dagger!
To celebrate the author’s 85th birthday all his family are in residence which not only allows for a host of suspects, but better still for audiences to enjoy the performances of this scintillating ensemble.

For sure this is a strong, tightly written script with a sophisticated plot, but this truly is an actor’s piece, rich with nuanced, captivating performances. Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Chris Evans and Michael Shannon are just some of the marquee names to headline alongside James Bond himself Daniel Craig. Praise must go to Ana de Armas who totally holds her own and is utterly magnetic on screen.
Writer / director Rian Johnson first conceptualised the idea for the film over 10 years ago, and if like me you have a great interest in the whole film making process, then you won’t be disappointed as there are a wealth of bonus features which go into great detail of all aspects of the making of the film.
For those of you who may be wondering why buy a film once you know the outcome? Well think again. Having seen Knives Out on several occasions I’ve always found something new to discover, clues I’d missed, bread crumbs to follow and performances to delight in.
For a film over two hours long, time does fly. The editing is sharp, enhancing the well-paced trajectory.
There is much dry wit throughout the film, particularly from Don Johnson who really is a scene stealer and such a joy to watch. I could be wrong, but everyone looked like they were having a good time making Knives Out, which does translate on screen.
With a sequel confirmed I do believe there is room for Benoit Blanc, to sit alongside other super sleuths such as Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. And so with the Blu-ray out, I recommend you get your wallet out and invest in Knives Out!

“A true actor’s piece, rich with nuanced, captivating performances."
Knives Out - Special Features
4K UHD
Audio Commentary
Deleted Scenes
Rian Johnson: Planning the Perfect Murder featurette
Marketing Gallery
Meet the Thrombeys Viral Ads
In Theatre Commentary
Making a Murder
Director and Cast Q&A
BLU-RAY
Audio Commentary
Deleted Scenes
Rian Johnson: Planning the Perfect Murder featurette
Marketing Gallery
Meet the Thrombeys Viral Ads
In Theatre Commentary
Making a Murder
Director and Cast Q&A
DVD
Audio Commentary
Deleted Scenes
Rian Johnson: Planning the Perfect Murder featurette
Marketing Gallery
Meet the Thrombeys Viral Ads
Knives Out - Official Trailer
Claire Bueno
Claire Bueno is the author of CLEANIN’ UP THE TOWN: Remembering Ghostbusters. A Cast and Crew’s Memoir of Ghostbusters
As a film journalist, presenter and interviewer, Claire has moderated BAFTA, Royal Television Society (RTS), Women in Film and Television (WFTV), and Apple Store Q&As and hosted Comic Con panel talks.
Claire is the founder of Premiere Scene Magazine and has had the privilege of interviewing esteemed artists including Tom Cruise, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Sigourney Weaver, Emily Blunt, Samuel L Jackson, James Cameron and Andy Serkis.
As a media coach Claire works with leading personal publicists, HBO, Netflix, Warner Bros. Sky, ITV, Penguin Random House, Ebury, the BFI, and DDA, offering practical coaching sessions and safe environment for talent to perfect their interview technique before facing the press. She has extensive experience working with emerging and seasoned professionals and where English is not their first language.
Additionally, Claire is the producer of the critically acclaimed feature documentary CLEANIN’ UP THE TOWN: Remembering Ghostbusters and the upcoming TOO HOT TO HANDLE: Remembering Ghostbusters II.