BB
Benoit Blanc
A calm, observant private detective anonymously hired to investigate Harlan’s death. He compares the truth to the centre of a doughnut.
ClearStory FILM GUIDE
Knives Out2019
Know the family. Follow the clues. Keep the solution hidden.
What you need to know
Wealthy crime novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead in his study the morning after his 85th-birthday party. The police initially treat it as suicide, but private detective Benoit Blanc has been anonymously hired to investigate Harlan’s large family and his nurse, Marta Cabrera.
2 hours 11 minutesMurder mysterySet mainly at the Thrombey family home
OPTIONAL REFERENCECharacters, places and useful termsContains story details. Open after watching.
QUICK REMINDER
10 peopleThe only names you need
MC
Marta Cabrera
Harlan’s trusted nurse and friend. She has a physical reaction whenever she tells a lie.
HT
Harlan Thrombey
A hugely successful crime novelist who dies after celebrating his 85th birthday with his family.
RT
Ransom Drysdale
Harlan’s confident, rebellious grandson and Linda and Richard’s son. He left the party after arguing with Harlan.
LD
Linda Drysdale
Harlan’s self-made daughter, who runs a property company. She is married to Richard and is Ransom’s mother.
RD
Richard Drysdale
Linda’s husband. He helps with her business and is determined to protect the family’s position.
WT
Walt Thrombey
Harlan’s son, who runs the family publishing company. Their business discussion at the party became heated.
JT
Joni Thrombey
The widow of Harlan’s late son Neil. She runs a lifestyle company and depends on Harlan’s financial support.
MT
Meg Thrombey
Joni’s daughter and Harlan’s granddaughter. She is studying at college and is friendlier with Marta than most of the family.
FR
Fran
Harlan’s housekeeper. She knows the house and family routines well and notices more than people assume.
DURING THE FILM
Recap as you go
Choose only a scene you have completed. If you are unsure, wait until you finish watching.
Optional story focusContains story details. Open after watching.
AFTER WATCHING
Key story points
This section contains major spoilers, including the ending.
Content note: Death and suicide, blood and injury, drug use and overdose, threat, vomiting, strong language, references to infidelity and discussion of immigration status.
An unofficial, independently written viewing companion for the 2019 film Knives Out. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Lionsgate, MRC, T-Street, Rian Johnson or the filmmakers. No official images, logos or film artwork are used.