Masterfully written and constructed but Johnson's show of hands hides a pretty predictable conclusion

Rating: 7/10 (30 January 2020)

'Knives Out' is one of those frustrating films where almost everything works until it comes time to explain it's secrets. 'Knives Out' revels in creating a whodunnit that pays tribute to the iconography of the best films that have followed this formula in the past. Rian Johnson is a director that loves movies and that love is infectious. His cast is expertly constructed and completely buy into Johnson's uniquely quirky world.
The star of the film is Johnson's screenplay that knows the formula of an Agatha Christie-esque thriller and plays against the conventions while still embracing the audience's love for them. 'Knives Out' has the expected gimmicky and colorful suspects who play off a very real grounded performance from Ana de Armas. The juxtaposition between the rich self centered Thrombey family and the working class Marta works as a commentary and yet Johnson is able to still have that levity while tackling pretty poignant themes and commentary. This isn't an easy thing for a screenwriter to do.
The major problem I have with the movie is it's ending and who ends up being the "killer" who sets the story in motion. I just feel that despite all of Johnson's clever storytelling tricks that he chose the most predictable way to wrap up this story. The character is in my opinion is hinted too much at. I felt like he was clearly a red herring and yet no, Johnson just gives in. I won't spoil it because the fun of this movie is not knowing but it is a pretty big actor who is less than subtle here. It's a mix of pretty uninspired writing in an otherwise fantastic script and a big actor who just cant quite find how close to over the top he wants to be