So, a few years on from it’s orginal release, is it a little seen masterpeice? Or is was there a reason most people never saw it?

“From here to the front of the train”

Based on the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige, the film is set several years after humanity’s failed attempt to combat climate change. The world has frozen over, and the last remnants of humanity live on a train that travels around the world once a year. The train is also a class ladder, with rich people at the front, and the poor at the back. Curtis (Chris Evans) tired of the conditions he and his friends are forced to live in, plots a revolution to take over the train by getting to the front.

While the premise itself is fairly simple, things quickly become more complicated and surreal, as they progress through the train. Cultures clash, with every carriage presenting its own unique challenge or having its own function. The change between carriages makes every new scene exciting, especially as they get weirder towards the front. It leads to some real suspense every time the group enters a carriage. It’s almost more distressing when the surroundings seem normal, as you wait for something to happen.

Bong’s weird sense of humour is on full display here. It’s a very bleak film. Both in themes and how it’s shot, so the surreal humour is welcomed. If anything it serves to show the differences between the classes. The back sections are dark and claustrophobic, while the front sections are spacious and full of warm colours.

“I am a hat. You are a shoe”

Despite being the director’s first English language film, the cast is very impressive. Chris Evans manages to play a very different hero from Captain America, while Jamie Bell is charming as his right-hand man Edgar. The late John Hurt brings gravitas to a mentor long past his prime. Octavia Spencer is almost unrecognisable as a mother who joins the revolution. Tilda Swinton is excellent as always, while Ed Harris plays Wilford, the trains mysterious engineer.

Kang Ho-Song, who has worked on most of Bong’s films also features, alongside Ko Asung. Once again playing Father and Daughter after working on The Host, but once again very different characters. While the latter speaks English, having grown up on the train, her father doesn’t and must use a translator. This does lead to issues where he is unable to communicate effectively with others, and during a crucial part in the story, some important information has to be told through other means. It’s an interesting wrinkle and one that makes you rethink his character.

In fact, most of the characters undergo a re-examination during the film. While on the surface things seem fairly simple, during the course of the film, motives or methods may change your opinions of a character. While this does have a slight downside of some feeling less developed at the beginning, it makes subsequent viewings very different. To say more would be a spoiler and it’s something you’re better off experiencing for yourself.

Rating: (4 / 5)

While not the director’s best work, it’s by no means his worst. Showcasing what he can do with a bigger budget and what the cast can do with different roles. It’s a film that, like a runaway train, barely slows down once it starts. Full of literal class warfare, Bong-Joon Ho manages to elevate what could have been a generic action flick into an interesting film that plays against expectations and offers food for thought. Speaking of food, there is an excellent fan theory that it’s a sequel to Willy Wonka.

Also Read: “Parasite” Director Bong-Joon Ho Once Described The Oscars As Very Local

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That game is afoot

That death can take over life in a heartbeat is being cruelly proven to the Thrombey family. The day after celebrating the 85th birthday of Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer), he’s found dead. As a father and grandfather, he will be missed by everyone of his family. Although, not by everyone it seems, as his death might not be suicide as initially thought. It could be a grim murder instead and because of that, detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) starts to look into this case. He’s not only investigating that tragic night but also the entire family. What a family it is!

It doesn’t take long before we find out that every family member has some dark secrets behind the innocent and grieving façade. The main suspect is Marta Cabrera (Ana de Armas), the help who was the last person who saw Harlan alive. Was it maybe one of the family members such as his daughter Linda (Jamie Lee Curtis), his son Walt (Michael Shannon) or one of the inlaws such as Harlan’s third child’s widow Joni (Toni Collette) or son-in-law Richard (Don Johnson)? Probably not because the dogs barked and so it certainly must be a stranger? Maybe it’s the long lost Ransom (Chris Evans), who has a nasty relationship with the rest of his family? The further his investigation takes him, the bigger the mystery becomes. Who will be the evilest family member and will be able to solve the murder?

A brilliant A-list cast and impressive upcoming talent

So many questions and so little answers. Throughout the film, more clues about the dead come to the surface. By the end of Knives Out, you will not only have become the next Sherlock Holmes but you’ve also seen a thrilling, electrifying, humourist and stunningly performed film.

There’s absolutely no shortage of incredible talent in Knives Out. He already did spy work in multiple James Bond films and solving mysterious is what Graig (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Spectre) is superior in. In Knives Out, he steps up his game even more as the clever, witty and humouristic private detective. Even his Southern accent is spot-on. The “I’m talking to myself” scenes are such a joy to watch and the big revelation scene is certainly the highlight of this movie. As the grieving daughter, Curtis (Halloween, An Acceptable Loss) never overplays or underplays the emotions and gives her character a lot of flair and confidence. She brings a lot of humour and memorable moments to Knives Out.

It was halfway through the movie that we got a glimpse of Evans (Avengers: Endgame, Gifted) for the first time but the wait was worth it. With his contagious laughter and fabulous performance, he brings out the arrogant, underhanded and secretive characteristics of Ransom. It’s not only the established actors giving it their best shot but also upcoming talent such as de Armas (Blade Runner 2049, War Dogs). She puts on a thrilling, emotional, funny and joyful performance which is both dark and lively at the same time.

Spectacular setting and bombastic score

Another element of why this movie feels like a big game of Cluedo is the colossal mansion with many different and spacious rooms. All the rooms are filled with possible murder/suicide weapons such as the many antiques, paintings or even that magnificent masterpiece full of knives. Is there one knife missing by any chance? Congratulations are definitely in order for the location management department and the set decorator.

A film like this, that’s full of suspense, betrayal and mystery elements, needs to have an on-point score and that’s exactly what Knives Out has. It doesn’t take long before the sharp violins, heavily beating drums and bombastic music take over this film. The score gives this movie such a powerful effect.

A devious whodunnit with a superb cast

After being screened at the BFI London Film Festival, Knives Out is now now coming back to UK cinemas. If you want to see a gorgeous, enigmatic, compelling and entertaining whodunnit that’s brought to life by stunning performances, grandiose score and bags of humour then Knives Out is the perfect film.

Rating: (4 / 5)

Also Read: The Irishman (Review)

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