Knives Out | "In For a Penny..."

Revisiting Knives Out (2019) | Lead Up

Before Wake Up Dead Man hits theaters, we're sharpening our detective skills and diving back into Rian Johnson’s modern mystery masterpiece: Knives Out (2019).

As part of our Forgotten Cinema: Lead Up Series, we revisit this clever and stylish whodunit that revived the murder mystery genre for a new generation. While we both enjoy the film, Butler is the bigger fan, which is especially surprising considering he’s not usually on board with Johnson’s other work. But Knives Out wins him over with its razor-sharp script, perfectly structured mystery, and an ensemble cast that brings the chaos of the Thrombey family to life.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Rian Johnson’s brilliant subversion of mystery tropes and Agatha Christie influences

• Daniel Craig’s unforgettable turn as gentleman detective Benoit Blanc

• Ana de Armas’s heartfelt performance that grounds the story in empathy

• The film’s commentary on class, privilege, and morality beneath all the twists and humor

• Why Knives Out still stands as the sharpest and most balanced entry in the growing series

  
  

As we gear up for Wake Up Dead Man, we explore how Knives Out sets the tone for this ongoing mystery universe and why this first entry remains a cut above the rest.

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