It’s exciting to announce that Rian Johnson’s new murder mystery Knives Out is set to be this year’s American Express Gala screening at the 63rd BFI London Film Festival, on Tuesday 8th October.

Written and Directed by Johnson, who you’ll also know for the likes of Looper, Brick and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, he’s gathered an all-star cast that includes Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana De Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Colette, Katherine Langford, Christopher Plummer, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon, LaKeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford and Jaeden Martell. The film is described as a ‘fresh and modern take on the classic “whodunit”’ and I loved the trailer – watch just below if you’ve not seen it yet!

For Knives Out, Johnson pays homage to mystery mastermind Agatha Christie, here’s some official plot news:

Knives Out is a fun, modern-day murder mystery where everyone is a suspect.  When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Plummer) is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc (Craig) 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. Knives Out is a witty and stylish whodunnit guaranteed to keep audiences guessing until the very end.

Rian Johnson, writer and director, had this to say:  

“I’m thrilled to be screening Knives Out at the BFI London Film Festival. This film was an attempt to capture the twisty fun of an Agatha Christie whodunnit, it’s a great pleasure to be showing it in the country responsible for the genre’s golden age.” 

Tricia Tuttle, BFI London Film Festival Director added: 

“With Knives Out, Rian Johnson has crafted a devilishly clever and wickedly entertaining new crime caper. As with his previous work, Johnson brings immense erudition and passion for the conventions of the genre he’s working in, but always makes something entirely his own. This is impeccably designed, with writing that keeps you guessing to the final moments and his extraordinary cast are at their arch and compelling best. Knives Out is a whodunit, as sharp as the blade that killed the patriarch at the heart of the film and we are overjoyed to present the European Premiere as our principle partner, American Express’s Gala.”

From Lionsgate and MRC, the film will receive its European Premiere on Tuesday, 8th October at the Odeon Luxe, Leicester Square. Rian Johnson and some cast members are expected to attend, and Lionsgate UK are then looking to a 27h November release across the UK

The 63rd BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express takes place from Wednesday 2nd October-Sunday 13th October 2019. The full Festival programme will be announced on Thursday 29 August 2019 – Find out more: bfi.org.uk/bfi-london-film-festival-2019

Stills: Courtesy of Lionsgate UK