Knives Out

Knives Out is an American mystery film released in 2019 and directed by one of the best contemporary filmmakers, Rian Johnson. Assembled with an all-star cast, this isn't your typical who-done-it flick. This family-friendly suspense mystery serves up an extravagant cinematic experience that transforms traditional storytelling into a captivating web of intrigue.

The lead character, Detective Benoit Blanc, is played by none other than the dynamic Daniel Craig. Craig dives deep into this role and flexes his acting prowess, stepping away from his famous James Bond character with an array of accents and expressly created nuances that add dimension to his offbeat, witty and relentless character.

Johnson's script throws Blanc into the complex, affluent Thrombey family, full of bitter heirs and potential murderers. Christopher Plummer, the family's patriarch Harlan Thrombey, is a successful crime novelist who, on the night of his 85th birthday party, is found dead under suspicious circumstances. This puzzling conundrum prompts Blanc's entrance to the scene to navigate the maze of lies and deceit to unveil the truth behind Harlan's death.

Redefining the trope of the dysfunctional family, the talented likes of Chris Evans (Captain America fame) and Jamie Lee Curtis, create a medley of contentious, self-serving motives that actively keeps the audience guessing. The mystery unravels in their grand Victorian mansion, reminiscent of Clue-style murder mysteries with an ultra-modern undertone.

Ana de Armas plays a crucial role as Marta Cabrera, Harlan's soft-spoken nurse, who becomes an unexpected ally to Blanc. Depicted as an outsider in this family of vipers, de Armas’ masterful performance hinges on not just her acting, but on subtle physical cues which contribute to building the suspense throughout the movie.

The interactions between the devious relatives, who bicker about freedom and privilege with selfish disdain, make up for some fantastic dark comedy moments. Along with the evident tension among the Thrombey family, there are also plenty of subplots that may or may not contribute to Harlan’s demise. There's the kicked-out grandson Ransom, played by Chris Evans, the successful businesswoman Linda, played by Lee Curtis, and the mooching son Walt, played by Michael Shannon. All show signs of potential resentment and motive for the author’s untimely death, effectively keeping us on the edge of our seats.

Knives Out is an intricate plot drawn out beautifully by Johnson, with his execution being equally brilliant. The movie shines with its narrative melding everything from old-school mystery tropes to contemporary social issues. It's a story about wealth and privilege, entitlement and resentment, truth and lies, perfectly placed in a murder investigation.

Another noteworthy aspect of Knives Out is its rich visual treatment. Capturing an atmosphere that is both eerie and captivating, each scene is meticulously designed. The magnificently eerie mansion that lends the movie much of its tone, the beautiful landscape that surrounds it, and the quirky yet sinister interior design- everything visual in the film adds layers to the storytelling. The film also uses innovative camera angles and thoughtful framing, making it a treat for the eyes and adding to the air of intrigue and suspense.

Additionally, the music in Knives Out is atmospheric, bordering on mesmeric. Composer Nathan Johnson creates music that assists the storytelling by enhancing the mood and tension, becoming a character in and of itself. His ominous, suspenseful score perfectly mirrors the twist and turns of the narrative.

Finally, Knives Out controversially ridicules social capitalist constructs tempered with its engaging narrative, further projecting the movie beyond a simple mystery film.

All in all, Knives Out is an engaging mystery, complimented by a star-studded ensemble cast, that masterfully weaves together modern social commentary with an old-school murder mystery. The narrative is smart, funny, and gripping, making it much more than a whodunnit – it's a brilliant mashup of social commentary and riveting detective tale. The high-energy performances from the ensemble cast, coupled with Rian Johnson's incredible direction, make it a must-watch. Knives Out is a skillfully crafted tribute to mystery with a modern twist that continues to enthral the viewer long after the closing credits.