Knives Out

Today, we celebrate family togetherness. It's a perfect time for a film about family dysfunction. That film is Knives Out, writer and director Rian Johnson's mystery comedy. It's full of stunning twists and dark laughs. Let's see why.

Acclaimed mystery writer Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead in his mansion. His highly-dysfunctional family celebrated his 85th birthday the previous night. Lt. Elliot (LaKeith Stanfield) and Trooper Wagner (Noah Segan) are assigned to the case. Celebrity detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is summoned by an unknown party to help out. Harlan's death was apparently a suicide. But the detectives aren't that sure yet. They've got a whole bunch of suspects:

1. Son-in-law Richard (Don Johnson), who didn't want Harlan to tell...

2. His wife and Harlan's daughter, Linda (Jamie Lee Curtis), about an affair.

3. Son Walter (Michael Shannon), who got cut from his and Harlan's publishing company.

4. Daughter-in-law Joni (Toni Collette), who got caught embezzling from Harlan.

5. Grandson Ransom (Chirs Evans), annoyed that Harlan cut him from the will.

There's also Harlan's caretaker Marta Carbrera (Ana de Armas). She was the last person to see Harlan alive. She suddenly finds herself Harlan's sole heir. The family finds that too convenient. Marta and the detectives have to get to the bottom of the case fast.

The plot unfolds over 130 minutes. And you'll barely forget any one of them. Barely any tidbit, including Marta's physical incapability to lie, is unimportant. They're all relevant to the climax. Flashbacks slowly reveal the truth behind Harlan's last night. The ending is built on twists upon twists. It's as brilliant as it's hilarious. You won't get lost untangling this web.

The family as a whole is made up of comically unlikable jerks. The possible exceptions include Harlan's mother Wanetta (K Collan) and granddaughter Meg (Katherine Langford). But the others bicker, cheat and lie for all the world to hear. They're almost all of them elitist gold-diggers. They're most venomous when the will is read. The lawyer (Frank Oz) gladly waltzes out of the movie when they tell him out. Oh yeah, and just after they say they'll support Marta, they turn on her once she's named heir. I hope your family isn't like them.

Fortunately, the real protagonists are all likable. Marta is a hard-working woman caught up in tough circumstances. She wins the audience over with her selfless demeanor. You can feel her shock when she's named heir. You'll be pleased when she stands up to the family. Meanwhile, Blanc is a laugh riot with his unusual mindset. But you'll be amazed to see how competent he is. Blanc standing up for Marta is pretty good. Harlan makes the most of his comparatively limited screentime. You'll understand why he chose Marta over his family.

Harlan's house is the film's technical star. It's one of the most appealing Gothic houses since The Addams Family's. The most memorable touch is the massive knives display.  Its secret exits and rooms surely make it seem bigger on the inside. It kind of is; Production Designer David Crank used the real Ames Mansion and two sound stages for the place. Cinematographer Steve Yedlin and composer Nathan Johnson deserve points for their eerie work.

Knives Out is a fun twist on the murder mystery. We have a likable protagonist, an unlikely master detective, absurdly detestable suspects and memorable dialogue. You'll laugh and cheer when the real villain is caught. Overall, there's quite a bit to enjoy with this film. See it and you'll get it. Be prepared for some modern political topics (in case you don't like them).