Knives Out
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.
Despite a respectable budget of $40.0M, Knives Out became a massive hit, earning $312.9M worldwide—a remarkable 682% return.
Nominated for 1 Oscar. 52 wins & 113 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Knives Out (2019) reveals carefully calibrated plot construction, characteristic of Rian Johnson's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 11 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.6, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Harlan Thrombey's 85th birthday party at his grand estate. The wealthy mystery novelist is alive, surrounded by his dysfunctional family who depend on his money.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 15 minutes when Marta is questioned by Detective Blanc and realizes this isn't a simple suicide investigation. The anonymous employer who hired Blanc suspects murder, putting Marta in danger since she knows what really happened that night.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 33 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Marta receives a blackmail note with "I know what you did" and a partial burned copy of the toxicology report. She decides to actively work with Ransom to find the blackmailer and protect herself, entering the world of deception., moving from reaction to action.
At 65 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat Marta and Ransom burn the evidence (the toxicology report) at the hidden spot. Marta believes she's safe now - false victory. She thinks she's destroyed the only proof of her "crime" and can move forward with Ransom's help., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 97 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Marta finds Fran (the housekeeper) dying from morphine overdose. The blackmailer has killed to silence witnesses. Fran whispers "Hugh did this" before losing consciousness. A literal whiff of death as Marta cannot save her., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 104 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Blanc reveals the truth: Marta didn't kill Harlan - she gave him the correct medication. Harlan staged his own suicide to protect her from a murder charge that would never have stuck. This realization reframes everything and gives Marta clarity., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Knives Out's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Knives Out against these established plot points, we can identify how Rian Johnson utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Knives Out within the comedy genre.
Rian Johnson's Structural Approach
Among the 5 Rian Johnson films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.7, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Knives Out takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Rian Johnson filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Rian Johnson analyses, see Looper, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Harlan Thrombey's 85th birthday party at his grand estate. The wealthy mystery novelist is alive, surrounded by his dysfunctional family who depend on his money.
Theme
Benoit Blanc tells Marta: "I suspect foul play. I have eliminated no suspects." The theme of truth versus deception, and the difficulty of seeing clearly through layers of lies, is established.
Worldbuilding
Police interview each family member about the night of Harlan's death. We learn the family dynamics: Linda the self-made eldest, Walt who runs the publishing house, Joni the lifestyle guru widow, Ransom the black sheep grandson, and Marta the nurse who cannot lie without vomiting.
Disruption
Marta is questioned by Detective Blanc and realizes this isn't a simple suicide investigation. The anonymous employer who hired Blanc suspects murder, putting Marta in danger since she knows what really happened that night.
Resistance
Marta navigates the investigation while hiding her secret: she accidentally gave Harlan the wrong medication. Blanc inexplicably invites her to assist the investigation. Harlan's will reading reveals he left everything to Marta, enraging the family.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Marta receives a blackmail note with "I know what you did" and a partial burned copy of the toxicology report. She decides to actively work with Ransom to find the blackmailer and protect herself, entering the world of deception.
Mirror World
Ransom becomes Marta's unlikely ally and confidant. Their partnership represents the thematic question: can genuine connection exist in a world of selfish motives? Ransom seems to be the only one helping her without judgment.
Premise
Marta and Ransom investigate together, tracking down the blackmailer. The fun of the whodunit premise plays out as they search Fran's apartment, dodge the family's attempts to contest the will, and follow leads while Marta struggles to keep her secret.
Midpoint
Marta and Ransom burn the evidence (the toxicology report) at the hidden spot. Marta believes she's safe now - false victory. She thinks she's destroyed the only proof of her "crime" and can move forward with Ransom's help.
Opposition
The family escalates their attacks on Marta, threatening to expose her mother's immigration status. Blanc continues circling closer to the truth. Marta receives another blackmail note to come to the address alone, increasing pressure from all sides.
Collapse
Marta finds Fran (the housekeeper) dying from morphine overdose. The blackmailer has killed to silence witnesses. Fran whispers "Hugh did this" before losing consciousness. A literal whiff of death as Marta cannot save her.
Crisis
Marta drives away in panic, calling 911 but believing she's too late. She wrestles with guilt - both for Harlan's death and now Fran's. She confesses everything to Ransom in the car, breaking down completely.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Blanc reveals the truth: Marta didn't kill Harlan - she gave him the correct medication. Harlan staged his own suicide to protect her from a murder charge that would never have stuck. This realization reframes everything and gives Marta clarity.
Synthesis
Blanc exposes Ransom as the true killer who swapped the medication vials to frame Marta, killed Fran, and manipulated everyone. The final confrontation at the Thrombey estate where Ransom is caught with his own confession via recording, then arrested after attacking Marta.
Transformation
Marta stands on the balcony of her mansion, looking down at the defeated Thrombey family below, holding Harlan's mug that reads "My House My Rules My Coffee." She has transformed from subservient nurse to rightful heir who earned her place through genuine decency.