Well aware of the familiar genre it operates in, Rian Johnson’s Knives Out does everything in its power to sharpen and bathe in this genre, rather than trying to overcome it. The result is a tremendously entertaining homage that never comes of as mocking. It’s remarkable that the film pulls the rug under us before half the runtime has gone, yet even after its major reveal the interest is high thanks to the expertly placed threads throughout. It also looks absolutely gorgeous and its luxurious visual style is matched by the slick, swift editing and pace. Outside of Christopher Plummer and Ana de Armas’ chemistry this is not much of a character-drama, but the overall cast is very entertaining, with Daniel Craig taking some time to warm up to. Knives Out doesn’t really do much new with its formula (the political aspects are brief lip-service at best) but as an Agatha Christie-lover, I’m all for this kind of modern, classic, stylish and sharp murder mystery.

2019