Knives Out
Family FavoritePG-13

Knives Out

Hell, any of them could have done it.

2019 • 131 min • Comedy · Crime · Mystery

Synopsis

When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan's dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan's untimely death.

Our family guide

Best from age 13
88
Movie Knight Score
14273 reviews
  • 92 Reviewers · 12 · 75%
  • 78 Audience · 14261 · 25%

When a wealthy crime novelist dies, a debonair detective is hired to investigate. He sifts through a web of lies from the deceased's dysfunctional family and staff to uncover the truth. This clever whodunit offers a suspenseful and witty mystery.

Violence & peril
3/10
Language
4/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking
3/10
Romance & sensuality
1/10
Scary moments
3/10

Heads up

  • Moderate language, including some stronger words.
  • Alcohol and tobacco use are present throughout.
  • A few intense moments of peril and a death investigation.

What it models well

  • Truth and honesty
  • Compassion and empathy
  • Justice and fairness

Talk about it after

  • The importance of telling the truth, even when it's difficult.
  • How family dynamics can become complicated by wealth and expectations.
  • Considering different perspectives to understand a situation fully.

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Knives Out. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.

Where to watch

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Top billed cast

Director: Rian Johnson • Crew: Rian Johnson

Trailers & clips

Knives Out Film Daniel Craig Scenes

Ode to the Murder Mystery

Official TV Spot “Biggest"

Official TV Spot “Gather”

Official TV Spot “Incredible Cast”

Official TV Spot “Mystery Review “

Academy Conversations: Knives Out

Official Clip “Observer of the Truth”

Reviewer notes

Recommended

An incredibly well-crafted and beautifully shot whodunit with an impressive cast. ‘Knives Out’ keeps the viewer on the wrong track thanks to the ingenious script, bringing a surprising delight towards its conclusion, but without losing rewatch value. 10/10

Recommended

Incredible. Loved it! Even on just one watch, it's one of my favourites already - I have a feeling I'll be revisiting this a lot. I had heard amazing things about this since its release and, man, is the hype befitting. It's a brilliant 131 minutes, even if it feels much shorter than that given how enjoyable it is. The casting is impeccable.…

Recommended

A great movie, entertaining and it has you playing detective right away. Great for all the Columbo wannabees.

Recommended

80's actors meet the younger generation of Marvel and series for a huge "camp it up" under the patronage of Bond himself.

Not recommended

Caving to popular opinion and seeing this was a bad decision; Daniel Craig's accent is the only interesting aspect, and you can get that from the trailer.

Recommended

This film had quite the rewatch value, keeping a consistent, yet entertaining thrill ride. Rian Johnson's original tale is strikingly filled with a talented ensemble, old-school-mystery-thrills and a sharp envisioning. Knives Out keeps the audience on their toes and brings a surprising delight towards it’s conclusion.

Recommended

Fun little murder-mystery starts off great, kind of loses a little steam in the middle, before rebounding nicely at the end. Fine performances all around, though especially Daniel Craig (reminded me why he was also great in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo even with a starkly different tone). Also makes me remember Rian Johnson is a fine filmmaker (loved Brick). **4.0/5**

Recommended

"That certainly not what I was expecting." - Whodunit? - Rian Johnson. - Why? - To subvert the tropes of yet another sub-genre... properly! As divisive as it was, I neither loved nor hated the love-it-or-hate-it The Last Jedi. Maybe because I'm not a huge fan of the much-beloved saga. But I can give you a quick opinion of what I thought about it anyway.…

Recommended

“This case is like a donut with a hole in the middle of a donut hole. Actually, it's a donut within a donut's hole.” ‘Knives Out’ subverted my expectations...in a good way. A smartly written whodunit movie that manages to be both humorous and classy. The kind of murder mystery that never fails to entertain. Pleasing both cinephiles and mainstream audiences. Perfectly balance, as all things should be.…

Recommended

I did not think that _Last Jedi_ was a very good movie, but I have always been a fan of Rian Johnson. And honestly? _Knives Out_ is a strong contender for his best work yet. I have never seen a whodunnit like this before. Seeing this in a theatre was the poppy-poppy-paper of movie-going experiences, because I so enjoyed that. _Final rating:★★★★ - Very strong appeal. A personal favourite._

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers

If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog @ https://www.msbreviews.com Knives Out has been shown in numerous festivals, and it received massive acclaim in literally every single one of them. Therefore, its hype grew more and more until its wide release date. Before the film, I can’t deny that I was indeed affected by the whole “a whodunnit like you haven’t seen in years.…

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers

This is a crime thriller that’s been a long time in the making. Mystery fans rejoice: ‘Knives Out’ is an impeccable cinematic achievement, laced with sardonic wit, division and conflict, and of course a perplexing puzzle. This is easily one of the most fun films of 2019 - it’s both a brilliant piece of entertainment and beautifully crafted enigma. Sit back, relax, and try to crack the code.…

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Gallery

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Details

TMDB audience
7.8/10 (14,261)
Age rating
PG-13
Status
Released
Budget
$40,000,000
Box office
$312,897,920
Franchise
Knives Out Collection
Official site
www.lionsgate.com

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