Nothing Brings The Season Together Like Murder: Knives Out Is The Perfect Fall Film

With Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery releasing in November in theatres and in December on Netflix (or earlier if you are seeing it with me at VIFF!), I think that it is important to revisit the original Knives Out. Everyone loves a good mystery. The suspense, the twists and surprises, and attempting to bring out your own inner detective to solve the mystery. I am a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes and I’ve read all of the novels so I like to think that I am capable of matching his intellect (though I never could). Knives Out gives us all of the classic mystery tropes while also featuring fantastic autumn vibes.

The second that Knives Out opened to the gorgeous, imposing old New England mansion with the orchestral sting I knew that this would be a perfect fall film. The Thrombey mansion stands tall above the low, swirling fog and it is surrounded by crisp fall foliage and autumnal scenery. Plus, nothing feels more cozy than an old mansion. The wood-paneled rooms, the luxurious curtains and furniture, the deep blues, greens and reds on the walls, the ornate statues and light fixtures, and the dim, cozy lighting throughout the home makes you want to curl up by a window and watch the rain fall.

I’m sure that everyone recalls the sensational cable-knit sweater that Chris Evans famously wore in the film. (I concur, it was fantastic. He also wears a great grey sweater later on in the film). Additionally, many characters are dressed in warm, muted tones which blend in perfectly with the sweater weather. Walt Thrombey’s (Michael Shannon) brown argyle sweater, Greatnana Wanetta’s (K Callan) fur lined coat and hat, and Benoit Blanc's (Daniel Craig) grey overcoat are just some of many examples of the perfect fall wardrobe. Marta Cabrera (Ana de Armas) has many fall fashion moments as well, including her purple cardigan, her grey and red chunky sweater, and the red, yellow, and pink scarf that she wears while attempting to cover her tracks. I would be happy to steal the wardrobe of many of these characters.

As the drama unfolds and we learn about the characters, the film leans into the Agatha Christie-style story and gives audiences the feeling of cozying up and reading one of her novels. We grow to love the odd and insolent characters that stories such as this produce. Audiences continue to love the Southern detective Benoit Blanc and his unique personality. We also end up rooting for Marta Cabrera and love to hate the less agreeable members of the Thrombey family.

One of the perfect fall activities, other than the typical pumpkin patch visits or scary movie nights, is picking up a book, preparing a warm beverage, and jumping into the printed word. If I lived in a mansion like the Thrombey’s during autumn, I feel like my reading slump would be completely cured. That’s what this film feels like while watching it. I feel as if I am transported to a chilly autumn day, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and I can taste and smell warm apple cider.

Finally, what is more fall than a whodunit? It fits perfectly into the Halloween and Thanksgiving seasons. Around this time of year, the world becomes fascinated by the strange and macabre and we seek the unknown and terrifying frights. The moment we see Harlan Thrombey laying dead with his throat cut open and blood trailing down to the floor, knife in hand, we are thrilled and mortified at the same time. Why do we love seeing murder on screen? Well, there are a lot of psychological reasons behind it, but overall we love to see justice being served. We want the murderer caught and for the detective to succeed. Despite the murders, this movie is comforting and a great autumn film. So, if you want some justice on a cool, and stormy day, give Knives Out another watch. I am looking forward to seeing the latest installment in the Knives Out universe next week!

Knives Out2019