Rian Johnson’s Knives Out is a dazzling modern take on the classic whodunit genre, packed with clever twists and turns that keep audiences guessing until the very end. While the murder mystery genre is often defined by its plot twists, Knives Out elevates them to an art form, using them not just as surprises but as storytelling devices that deepen character, advance themes, and keep the narrative fresh.
For writers, Knives Out is a masterclass in crafting twists that don’t feel cheap or forced. In this article, we’ll explore how the film structures its twists, how they serve the story, and what screenwriters can learn about the delicate balance of subverting and fulfilling audience expectations.
What Makes a Great Plot Twist?
Before diving into Knives Out, it’s important to understand what separates a great plot twist from a gimmick. A well-executed twist does more than shock—it recontextualizes the story, deepens its meaning, and feels inevitable in hindsight. The key elements of a great twist are:
- Set-Up: The twist must be carefully foreshadowed without being obvious.
- Subversion: It should defy expectations while remaining logical within the story’s framework.
- Impact: The twist should change the stakes, deepen the characters, or alter the audience’s understanding of the narrative.
Knives Out excels in all these areas, delivering twists that are both surprising and satisfying.
Twisting the Structure: Upending the Whodunit Formula
One of the boldest moves in Knives Out is how it upends the traditional structure of a murder mystery. In most whodunits, the mystery revolves around uncovering the culprit, with a big reveal at the climax. Johnson flips this on its head by revealing early in the film that Marta, the protagonist, accidentally caused Harlan Thrombey’s death.
This twist does two things:
- It shifts the audience’s focus from “Who did it?” to “Will she get away with it?”
- It allows the film to explore deeper themes of morality, privilege, and justice.
By redefining the mystery, Knives Out keeps viewers engaged while subverting their expectations.
Writing Tip: Don’t be afraid to play with structure. Twists are most effective when they challenge traditional storytelling conventions in a way that feels fresh and purposeful.
The Red Herring Game
A hallmark of the murder mystery genre is the use of red herrings—clues or subplots designed to mislead the audience. Knives Out employs red herrings masterfully, planting false leads that divert attention while still contributing to the story.
For example, the mysterious blackmail letter and the broken trellis suggest a different chain of events, keeping both Marta and the audience on edge. These misdirections serve not only to maintain suspense but also to deepen the characters, as each clue reveals more about the dysfunctional Thrombey family.
Writing Tip: Use red herrings strategically. They should enhance the story’s complexity without feeling arbitrary or distracting. Ensure they serve a purpose beyond misdirection, such as character development or thematic exploration.
Character-Driven Twists
One of the reasons Knives Out’s twists work so well is that they are deeply tied to character. Each revelation stems organically from the characters’ choices, flaws, and motivations. This makes the twists feel earned rather than contrived.
For instance, the climactic reveal that Ransom masterminded the plot hinges on his arrogance and entitlement. His decision to switch the labels on the medication bottles, thinking he was framing Marta, speaks volumes about his character. Similarly, Marta’s innocence and genuine care for Harlan are what ultimately save her, underscoring the film’s moral message.
Writing Tip: Ground your twists in character. Ask yourself: How does this revelation reflect the characters’ personalities, goals, or relationships? Twists are most impactful when they feel inevitable in retrospect.
Layering Twists: Building Momentum
One of the defining features of Knives Out is its layered approach to twists. Rather than saving a single big reveal for the climax, the film delivers a series of twists, each building on the last. This keeps the audience constantly reevaluating what they think they know.
For example:
- The reveal of Marta’s role in Harlan’s death changes the narrative focus early on.
- The discovery of Fran’s evidence shifts the stakes mid-film.
- The climactic twist—that Marta unknowingly administered the correct medication—reframes everything, tying the story together in a satisfying way.
Each twist is carefully timed, ensuring the story maintains momentum and keeps the audience hooked.
Writing Tip: Consider using multiple twists to sustain tension throughout your story. However, ensure each twist builds on the last and serves the narrative, rather than overwhelming the audience with surprises for the sake of it.
Foreshadowing and Payoff
A great twist should feel both surprising and inevitable, which requires meticulous foreshadowing. Knives Out plants subtle clues that, upon a second viewing, make the twists feel earned.
For instance:
- Marta’s vomiting when she lies is established early as a seemingly comedic quirk, but it becomes a critical plot point in the climax.
- The properties of the medication vials are explained during the initial scene with Harlan, foreshadowing Marta’s innocent mistake.
These details not only enhance the twists but also reward attentive viewers, making the story more satisfying.
Writing Tip: Seed your twists with subtle clues throughout the story. Aim for a balance where the audience doesn’t predict the twist but feels it was inevitable in hindsight.
Themes and Twists: Subverting Expectations
Beyond its clever plotting, Knives Out uses its twists to explore deeper themes. The film critiques privilege and entitlement, contrasting the morally corrupt Thrombey family with Marta’s decency and competence. The final twist—that Marta inherits Harlan’s fortune—serves as a thematic payoff, reinforcing the film’s commentary on merit and morality.
By tying its twists to its themes, Knives Out achieves a sense of cohesion that elevates it above a mere puzzle box.
Writing Tip: Ensure your twists resonate with the story’s themes. A well-crafted twist should do more than surprise—it should deepen the audience’s understanding of the narrative’s core message.
Lessons for Writers: Crafting Effective Twists
What can writers learn from Knives Out’s approach to plot twists? Here are a few takeaways:
Conclusion: The Magic of Knives Out
With Knives Out, Rian Johnson delivers a masterclass in the art of the plot twist. By reimagining the murder mystery formula, grounding his twists in character, and using them to explore deeper themes, Johnson creates a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
For writers, the film serves as a reminder that a great twist isn’t just about shocking the audience—it’s about enriching the story. Whether you’re writing a mystery, a thriller, or even a drama, the principles of set-up, subversion, and payoff can help you craft twists that leave a lasting impact. After all, a twist isn’t just a tool—it’s an art form.
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A.I. in Screen Trade 