Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Knives Out

film

Knives Out

2019

When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan's dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan's untimely death.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The film contains a graphicized suicide premise, murder investigation, overdose and death, threats, frightening suspense, strong deception, and mature class and immigration themes, with some language. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Alcohol or drugs3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Wealth, inheritance, luxury property, and class privilege are important themes, but the film is not primarily product-promotional.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Central theme involves the death of a patriarch, a suicide, and an additional murder of an employee.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Brief glimpses of a blood-stained shoe and the aftermath of a suicide; some medical urgency related to poisoning.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Occasional moderate profanity throughout the dialogue.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal; minor references to affairs and past relationships.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

A dead body, threats, blackmail, overdose, a burned building, pursuit, and a knife attack create sustained suspense, though it is a comic mystery rather than horror.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild references to romantic infidelity.

Alcohol or drugs3/5
Why this rating?

Morphine, medication mix-ups, and a deliberate overdose are important plot elements. Misuse causes serious harm and is not celebrated; ordinary drinking is secondary.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes a suicide, an attempted attack with a stage knife, and depictions of medical distress/overdosing.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Main character exhibits moral courage in difficult situations.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Highly creative and well-constructed mystery plot.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Includes an immigrant protagonist; explores themes of privilege and race.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It offers incidental insight into investigation, inheritance law, toxicology, immigration pressure, and class inequality, but is entertainment rather than instruction.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Marta's fundamental kindness is the key driver of her character and the story's resolution.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes regarding the importance of ethics, kindness, and integrity over greed.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist acts as a strong moral center, while the family members exhibit poor behavior.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Knives Out would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Knives Out, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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