Unravelling the Mysterious Knives Out: A Glass Onion Parent's Guide to this Gripping Whodunit
Are you a fan of whodunit mysteries? Then Knives Out, the 2019 film directed by Rian Johnson, is a must-watch. From the star-studded cast to the intricate plot, this movie will have you constantly guessing who the culprit is. But as a parent, you may be wondering if it's suitable for younger viewers.
Don't worry, we've got you covered. This Glass Onion Parent's Guide will unravel the mysterious Knives Out and give you all the information you need to decide if it's appropriate for your family. We'll discuss the film's themes, language, violence, and sexual content.
But don't think that just because Knives Out is rated PG-13, it lacks depth. On the contrary, the film touches on relevant issues such as immigration, privilege, and social status. You'll be surprised at how much there is to unpack in this seemingly straightforward murder mystery.
If you're ready to join the sleuthing and find out who killed Harlan Thrombey, then read on. Our parent's guide to Knives Out will not only help you decide if it's suitable for your kids but also enhance your viewing experience. Grab some popcorn, sit back, and get ready for a thrilling ride.
The Storyline
Killer grandfather Harlan Thrombey’s mystery death has got everyone talking. Writer and director Rian Johnson’s new family whodunit will pull you in with its complexity and intriguing twists.
Rian Johnson weaves together the mysterious death of Harlan Thrombey, a renowned mystery novelist and patriarch of the Thrombey family. The movie features his highly dysfunctional family, and as the story unfolds, various family members become suspects. The Thrombey family consists of Linda, Walt, Richard, Joni, and Harlan’s grandchildren such as Meg, Ransom, and Jacob.
The Cast
If you are an ardent fan of Daniel Craig or Chris Evans, then you have a lot to look forward to in this movie. Knives Out can be seen as an ensemble piece, and it boasts of an array of talented actors.
Daniel Craig stars as Benoit Blanc, a private detective hired to investigate the death of Harlan Thrombey. Chris Evans plays Ransom Drysdale, the grandson who is at the heart of most of the film’s action. Other notable characters include the charming Ana de Armas who plays Marta Cabrera, Harlan Thrombey’s nurse and Christopher Plummer as Harlan Thrombey himself.
The Cinematography
Johnson and his cinematographer Steve Yedlin are both long-time collaborators, and this film shows their exceptional ability to create captivating visuals.
Landscape shots featuring stunning country estates and tight close-ups generate the perfect blend of intimate and epic. The camera work and use of colors help build suspense and maintain tension throughout the film. For a whodunit, the director offers a refreshing change in the environment by shifting between elegant, luxurious indoor sets to the lush, green outskirts of the family estate.
The Plot Twists
A well-executed whodunit will keep you guessing and Knives Out is no exception. Rian Johnson’s movie boasts of exceptional writing, which sets it apart from many other mystery movies out there.
Although the fresh twists and turns can be challenging to follow, the outstanding craftsmanship in unraveling the mystery makes the rollercoaster ride worth it. As the film progresses, the audience becomes privy to pivotal information that throws off their expectations.
The Humor
Knives Out is unique in that it manages to poke fun at the murder-mystery genre while staying true to the spirit of the genre.
The humor is smart and enjoyable throughout the movie, without undermining the seriousness of the central story-line. The Thrombey family drama unfolds alongside comic relief scenes that include exchanging hilarious jabs and snipes as the investigation progresses.
The Messages
Although Knives Out is a work of fiction, its underlying messages are powerful and timely. One of the essential lessons we can glean from the movie is the danger of false entitlement and privilege.
Richard, one of the Thrombey siblings, embodies the profile of entitled characters. The film shows this character getting defensive and using rhetoric to justify his wealth, creating a reflective commentary on how some people justify their success despite unfair advantages.
The Characters
Killer grandparents aside, Knives Out is the tale of the corrosive impact of privilege and wealth on the Thrombey family. This element is unmistakable from the brilliant characterization of the family members.
Each character shows an unflattering degree of dysfunctionality, portrayed in their own unique ways. These traits manifest as gossiping, bickering, and slander, creating a rich tapestry of characters whose motives are questionable.
The music
The score, composed by Nathan Johnson, is an impeccable facet of the movie that perfectly captures the essence of the whodunit genre.
Nathan Johnson's playful, thrilling music shapes the tone of each scene, bringing us the dramatic passion of a murder mystery, with daring strings layered on top of discordant rhythms that encourage dread and anticipation.
The Setting
The luxurious Thrombey mansion plays a major part in the thriller. The filmmaker skillfully blends the opulent household, complete with a gothic feel, into the story-line, elevating the narrative to top-notch standards.
As the story progresses, a significant portion of the scenes takes place in the mansion. The vast landscape surrounding this imposing abode also features stunningly, and the contrast highlights the story's irony and twists.
The Closing Thoughts
Knives Out is a fantastic movie that delivers thrills and suspense in equal measure. Rian Johnson masterfully directs, crafting a film that blends old-school murder mystery conventions with modern, fresh twists.
The movie is skillfully written, well acted, and more importantly, it provides viewers with messages relating to societal themes such as privilege and wealth. Overall, Knives Out is an unmissable movie that delights in constructing puzzling mysteries that leave us guessing until the very end.
Thank you for joining us as we delved into the twisty and captivating world of Knives Out – a modern-day murder mystery that had us all on the edge of our seats! Throughout the course of this guide, we explored the intricacies of the plot, dissecting clues and piecing together key elements of the story.
We hope that this parent's guide has proven to be useful in helping you to navigate through the complex web of characters, motives and plot twists that are present in Knives Out. Whether you're watching the movie with your family or on your own, we feel confident that you'll come away from it feeling thoroughly entertained, challenged and satisfied.
Finally, we'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to read this parent's guide, and we look forward to bringing you more insightful reviews and guides in the future. In the meantime, why not share your thoughts on Knives Out with us – did you find it to be a compelling and well-crafted mystery, or was it too confusing for your liking? We'd love to hear from you!
People also ask about Unravelling the Mysterious Knives Out: A Glass Onion Parent's Guide to this Gripping Whodunit:
What is Knives Out?
Knives Out is a 2019 American mystery film written and directed by Rian Johnson. It follows the investigation of the death of renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey, and the family members who become suspects in his murder.
Is Knives Out appropriate for kids?
The movie is rated PG-13 for thematic elements including brief violence, some strong language, sexual references, and drug material. Parents should exercise discretion in allowing their children to watch this film.
Who stars in Knives Out?
The movie features an ensemble cast of actors which includes Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, LaKeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, and Christopher Plummer.
What makes Knives Out unique compared to other mystery movies?
Knives Out stands out for its cleverly written script, intricate plot, and excellent performances from the cast. It also subverts many of the tropes commonly found in mystery movies, offering a fresh take on the genre.
Is there a sequel to Knives Out in the works?
Yes, a sequel to Knives Out is currently in development. Daniel Craig is set to reprise his role as detective Benoit Blanc, and the film will feature a new cast and a new mystery to solve.