Knives Out (2019)

Knives Out

• I have seen literally so much hype over this film since it came out, and the fact that I finally got around to watching it, and somehow avoiding spoilers, is crazy. That goes for all three of them. But now that I’ve seen this one, I’m totally hooked. I think if I could describe this film, I would say it’s a breath of fresh air. It’s so hard to find good murder mysteries nowadays that actually feel like a murder mystery. Like, Agatha Christie or Sherlock Holmes level of murder mystery. Yet Rian Johnson came in clutch and gave us exactly that (just in modern times). It’s a little over the top in terms of flashiness and exaggerated characters (which is a big compliment), yet it's still serious enough to keep you locked in with the family drama and crime. It’s literally the most perfect blend of comedy and crime I’ve seen in a long while. The screenplay is very witty and sharp, though a little bit predictable by the end. I had my suspicions on the big reveal, and I was right. Parts of it felt a little too easy and too safe, but that didn’t ruin anything for me. Watching the dynamics between the characters while in the midst of an investigation was hilarious and also pretty riveting. There’s times I’m laughing, and also times I’m completely absorbed and taking it like a real investigation. The writing was just immaculate all around. The dialogue was great and each character had their own special flare, whether they were a crappy person or not. The performances were all pretty good, though Ana de Armas was the very strong standout. I’m glad she had a lead role and could showcase her talents. Daniel Craig was also very memorable, as always. Benoit Blanc is the new Hercule Poirot, just Southern and much more handsome. Overall, it’s a pretty clever and entertaining mystery, with relaxing visuals, hilarious characters, and a fun story. I would recommend it to everyone, especially if you love crime/comedy. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!