Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Expert, effortlessly entertaining all-star mystery-comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
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Knives Out
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 75 parent reviews
Parents say the film has a clever and engaging plot, blending humor and mystery, with strong performances from the cast; however, it contains frequent strong language and some intense themes, including brief violence and references to drug use and infidelity. While many families found it suitable for older children and teens, others cautioned against its mature content, recommending parental discretion.
- entertaining plot
- strong language
- intense themes
- family viewing
- age recommendation
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 186 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a hilarious blend of mystery and comedy, featuring a captivating plot and memorable characters, making it a great choice for family movie nights, especially for teens. While it contains some strong language, sexual references, and mild violence, viewers still find it entertaining and engaging, with many recommending it for its twists and humor.
- humor
- engaging plot
- strong performances
- some violence
- language
- great for teens
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In KNIVES OUT, wealthy, successful crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) celebrates his 85th birthday with his family. But at the party, he argues with just about everyone over money, business, or other things. Later, he's found with his throat slit, and Linda (Jamie Lee Curtis), Richard (Don Johnson), Walt (Michael Shannon), Joni (Toni Collette), and Ransom (Chris Evans) are among the suspects. Master detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is called in to solve the seemingly impossible case. The key to the mystery, Blanc realizes, lies with Marta (Ana de Armas), who was Harlan's nurse and caretaker and who has a condition that causes her to vomit whenever she tells a lie. The reading of the will sends a shockwave throughout the family, and Blanc finds his final, elusive clue when the murderer prepares to strike again.
Is It Any Good?
This delightful, hilarious, clever mystery-comedy is total entertainment, with expert, precision work at every level -- but also with an irresistible, gleeful sense of fun bursting from the screen. After taking Star Wars to a new level with The Last Jedi, writer-director Rian Johnson seems fully refreshed on Knives Out, keeping his feet on the ground and staying mostly in one beautiful location. From the ground up, he's crafted a solid moviegoing experience, starting with a sparkling gem of a screenplay. An Agatha Christie-inspired tale, the movie's mystery is airtight enough to puzzle most whodunit buffs.
But the movie is also beautifully balanced among its excellent cast, with each member feeling appealingly human and shining in individual moments. Visually, Knives Out is splendid, fluid in the way it moves around the nooks and crannies of the huge house and also when it lingers on its unforgettable "wheel of knives" centerpiece. The music by Nathan Johnson (Rian's cousin) is equally effective. Old-fashioned on the surface, the movie is nevertheless rooted in the modern-day, with several smart, sane references to current insanity. Finally, it's clearly designed for multiple viewings, not only to catch all the sly jokes but also the many concealed clues. If Knives Out has a flaw, it's that the movie is so effortless it might feel lightweight.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Knives Out's violence. Why is there so much fun being had around a murder in this story? What's the movie's attitude toward death and killing?
How are alcohol and drugs represented? Are they portrayed as cool or appealing? Are there consequences for using them? Why does that matter?
One character is incapable of lying without becoming physically ill. What does the movie have to say about honesty in general? Is it useful? Is it rewarding?
The family's true character is shown when it's revealed who gets the fortune. How does money impact relationships?
How does this movie compare with Agatha Christie stories? What makes it similar or different?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 27, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : February 25, 2020
- Cast : Jamie Lee Curtis , Daniel Craig , Toni Collette
- Director : Rian Johnson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Comedy
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- Run time : 130 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements including brief violence, some strong language, sexual references, and drug material
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : December 12, 2025
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