---
title: "Knives Out"
year: 2019
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/knives-out-2019"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 546554
imdb_id: "tt8946378"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 131
community_rating: 7.8
vote_count: 14183
content_rating: "PG-13"
---

# Knives Out (2019) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/knives-out-2019

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The 2019 film Knives Out is a comedy, crime, and mystery movie written, produced, and directed by Rian Johnson. The movie premiered at the 44th Toronto International Film Festival and was distributed by Lionsgate to American theaters. It was a critical and commercial success, with the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute choosing it as one of the year's top films. The story follows the investigation into the death of a renowned crime novelist, with Detective Benoit Blanc sifting through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth. The film features a complex plot and a large cast of characters, including the novelist's dysfunctional family and devoted staff. Knives Out received widespread acclaim and was chosen as one of the year's top films by several organizations. The film's success can be attributed to its unique blend of comedy, crime, and mystery elements.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A detective investigates the mysterious death of a wealthy novelist surrounded by his suspicious family."

### Why Watch
- clever screenplay
- ensemble cast

### Caveats & Content Note
- complex narrative structure
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains themes of death and deception suitable for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: whodunit, twisty, witty, suspenseful

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Peacock Premium, YouTube TV, Peacock Premium Plus | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Sky Store |
| **Canada (CA)** | Starz Amazon Channel, Crave Amazon Channel | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Stan | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Rian Johnson
- **Networks / Studios**: MRC, T-Street

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Daniel Craig** as *Benoit Blanc*
- **Chris Evans** as *Ransom Drysdale*
- **Ana de Armas** as *Marta Cabrera*
- **Jamie Lee Curtis** as *Linda Drysdale*
- **Michael Shannon** as *Walt Thrombey*
- **Don Johnson** as *Richard Drysdale*
- **Toni Collette** as *Joni Thrombey*
- **LaKeith Stanfield** as *Lieutenant Elliott*
- **Christopher Plummer** as *Harlan Thrombey*
- **Katherine Langford** as *Meg Thrombey*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Who is the detective?
The detective is Benoit Blanc.

### Q: What is the premise?
The story follows the investigation into the death of crime novelist Harlan Thrombey.

### Q: Who is being investigated?
Detective Blanc investigates Harlan Thrombey's dysfunctional family and devoted staff.

### Q: When does the death occur?
The death occurs shortly after Harlan Thrombey's 85th birthday.

### Q: What is the tone of the investigation?
The investigation involves navigating a web of red herrings and self-serving lies.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Knives Out — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/546554)
- [Knives Out - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knives_Out)
- [Knives Out (2019) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8946378/fullcredits/)
- [Knives Out (2019) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/546554-knives-out/cast)
- [Knives Out - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knives_Out)
- [Knives Out - Wikipedia](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knives_Out)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*