What is the plot?

What is the ending?

In the ending of "Knives Out," it is revealed that Marta Cabrera, the nurse, is the true heir to Harlan Thrombey's fortune, as he intended to leave everything to her. Ransom Drysdale, Harlan's grandson, is exposed as the one who orchestrated the murder and attempted to frame Marta. The film concludes with Marta standing on the balcony of Harlan's mansion, holding a cup of coffee, while the rest of the family looks on in shock and dismay.


As the climax of "Knives Out" unfolds, we find ourselves in the grand, yet tense atmosphere of Harlan Thrombey's mansion. The air is thick with anticipation as detective Benoit Blanc gathers the Thrombey family in the study, revealing the intricate web of deceit that has ensnared them all. The family, a motley crew of self-serving individuals, is on edge, each one desperate to protect their own interests.

In a pivotal moment, Blanc reveals that Marta Cabrera, Harlan's devoted nurse, is the true heir to his fortune. The revelation is met with gasps and incredulous stares from the family members, who had all assumed they would inherit a piece of Harlan's wealth. Marta, who had been thrust into this chaotic family drama, stands at the center of the storm, her emotions a mix of disbelief and trepidation.

As the tension escalates, Ransom Drysdale, Harlan's arrogant and entitled grandson, is confronted. It is revealed that he had orchestrated the entire plot to murder Harlan and frame Marta for it, believing that by doing so, he could secure the inheritance for himself. Ransom's motivations are laid bare; he is driven by greed and a sense of entitlement, believing that he deserves the fortune simply by virtue of being Harlan's grandson.

In a dramatic confrontation, Ransom's facade crumbles as he realizes that his plan has been foiled. Blanc methodically pieces together the evidence, showcasing Ransom's manipulations and the lengths he went to in order to cover his tracks. The family watches in horror as the truth comes to light, their own complicity in the chaos now painfully evident.

As the dust settles, Marta stands as the unexpected victor in this twisted family saga. She is not only the rightful heir but also the moral center of the story, having acted with integrity throughout the ordeal. The film's final moments capture her standing on the balcony of the mansion, a cup of coffee in hand, looking down at the family that had turned against her. The contrast is stark; while the Thrombeys are left in disarray, grappling with their own greed and betrayal, Marta embodies a sense of quiet strength and resilience.

The camera lingers on her face, a mixture of relief and sorrow, as she contemplates her new reality. The Thrombey family, once so confident in their entitlement, is left to reckon with the consequences of their actions. Ransom, having been exposed, faces the repercussions of his greed, while the rest of the family is left to navigate the fallout of their own moral failings.

In the end, "Knives Out" closes on a powerful note, emphasizing themes of loyalty, integrity, and the corrosive nature of greed. Marta, the unlikely heroine, emerges not only with Harlan's fortune but also with a newfound sense of self-worth, standing apart from the chaos that surrounds her. The film leaves the audience with a poignant image of her triumph, a stark reminder of the true cost of familial loyalty and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of wealth and privilege.

Is there a post-credit scene?

In the movie "Knives Out," there is no post-credit scene. The film concludes with the resolution of the central mystery surrounding the death of Harlan Thrombey, and the final moments focus on the character of Marta Cabrera, who has inherited Harlan's fortune. The film ends on a note of triumph for Marta, as she stands on the balcony of the Thrombey mansion, holding a cup of coffee, while the rest of the family looks on in disbelief. The absence of a post-credit scene allows the audience to reflect on the themes of class, privilege, and justice that permeate the film.

What is the significance of Harlan Thrombey's will in the story?

Harlan Thrombey's will is a pivotal plot element that sets the stage for the entire mystery. It reveals his intention to leave his fortune to his nurse, Marta Cabrera, which incites outrage among his family members who feel entitled to his wealth. The will's unexpected terms create tension and suspicion, leading to various family members' motives being scrutinized as they each have their own reasons for wanting Harlan's money.

How does Marta Cabrera's vomiting play a role in the plot?

Marta Cabrera's unique condition of vomiting whenever she lies becomes a crucial plot device. This physical reaction not only adds a layer of humor but also serves as a means of truth-telling throughout the investigation. Detective Benoit Blanc uses this to his advantage, as he navigates through the web of lies spun by the Thrombey family, ultimately leading to the revelation of the true events surrounding Harlan's death.

What are the motivations of Ransom Drysdale in the story?

Ransom Drysdale, Harlan's grandson, is motivated by greed and resentment towards his family. Initially appearing as a rebellious outsider, Ransom's true nature is revealed as he orchestrates a plan to frame Marta for Harlan's murder, believing he can manipulate the situation to inherit the fortune himself. His cunning and ruthless demeanor highlight his desperation and entitlement, making him a central figure in the unfolding mystery.

How does the family dynamic affect the investigation?

The Thrombey family's dynamics are fraught with jealousy, entitlement, and betrayal, which significantly complicate the investigation. Each family member has their own grievances and secrets, leading to conflicting testimonies and motives. This dysfunction not only creates a rich tapestry of suspects but also serves to illustrate the themes of loyalty and betrayal, as the detective must sift through their lies to uncover the truth.

What role does the setting of Harlan's mansion play in the story?

Harlan's mansion serves as a character in itself, with its grand yet claustrophobic design reflecting the complexities of the Thrombey family. The various rooms, filled with secrets and hidden passages, create an atmosphere of intrigue and tension. The mansion's layout allows for pivotal scenes to unfold, such as the discovery of clues and confrontations among family members, ultimately becoming a microcosm of the family's dysfunction and the central mystery.

Is this family friendly?

"Knives Out" is a murder mystery film that contains several elements that may not be suitable for younger audiences or sensitive viewers. Here are some potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects:

  1. Murder and Death: The central plot revolves around a murder investigation, which includes discussions of death and the circumstances surrounding the murder.

  2. Violence: There are scenes that depict violence, including a character's death that is shown in a somewhat graphic manner, which may be unsettling.

  3. Strong Language: The film contains instances of strong language, including profanity, which may not be appropriate for children.

  4. Themes of Betrayal and Greed: The story explores dark themes such as family betrayal, greed, and manipulation, which may be complex and distressing for younger viewers to understand.

  5. Substance Use: There are references to drug use and alcohol consumption, which may not be suitable for all audiences.

  6. Emotional Tension: The film features intense emotional moments, including family conflict and distress, which could be upsetting for sensitive viewers.

Overall, while "Knives Out" is a clever and engaging film, its themes and content may not be considered family-friendly for all audiences.