Rian Johnson's modern whodunit features Daniel Craig as the flamboyant Southern detective Benoit Blanc investigating the death of mystery novelist Harlan Thrombey amid his dysfunctional wealthy family. Production designer David Crank combined three separate Massachusetts mansions — Hill Hurst in Natick for exteriors, the Ames Mansion at Borderland State Park for most interiors, and a soundstage-built office — into a single cohesive Thrombey estate. Cinematographer Steve Yedlin (Johnson's collaborator since they were 17) shot on ARRI Alexa Mini with Zeiss Master Primes in 1.85:1, using custom RGBWW LED strip fixtures and ARRI SkyPanels to light the cramped mansion interiors. Costume designer Jenny Eagan created distinct visual identities for each family member while keeping everything grounded in reality. The Blu-ray features the 114-minute eight-part documentary 'Making a Murder' covering every aspect of production.
Knives Out
Production Details
Rian Johnson
Steve Yedlin ASC
David Crank
Nathan Johnson
131 minutes
Mystery Comedy Crime Drama
Ames Mansion, Borderland State Park, Massachusetts, Hunnewell Estates, Natick, Massachusetts, Marlborough, Massachusetts, Various Boston-area locations
$40 million
$312.9 million
Resources // 12 sources
Rian Johnson Praises Artisans Behind Knives Out
Steve Yedlin ASC — Knives Out
Knives Out Cinematography with Steve Yedlin — Go Creative Show
The Cinematography of Knives Out with Steve Yedlin ASC
Knives Out: Steve Yedlin ASC — ASC Clubhouse Conversation
The Story Behind the Massachusetts Mansion in Knives Out
How Knives Out Turned Three Locations Into a Single Mansion of Murder
Knives Out Costume Designer Jenny Eagan on Dressing the Family
Jenny Eagan: Sharpening Knives — Costume Designers Guild
Knives Out: The Art of Costume Design (Interview)
Knives Out — The Rough Cut: Editor Bob Ducsay
Knives Out: Making a Murder — 8-Part Documentary (114 min)