"Hell, any of them could have done it."
Knives Out - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
I suspect foul play. I have eliminated no suspects.
— Benoit Blanc
Context:
Blanc says this early in the film to the police detectives, formally announcing his intention to investigate the case despite their conclusion that it was a suicide.
Meaning:
This line establishes Blanc's methodical and suspicious nature. It's a classic detective proclamation that sets the tone for the investigation, signaling that he sees through the initial appearance of suicide and views everyone in the dysfunctional family as a potential culprit.
The family is truly desperate. And when people get desperate, the knives come out.
— Benoit Blanc
Context:
Blanc observes the family's behavior, noting their simmering resentments and greed as their potential inheritance hangs in the balance.
Meaning:
This quote directly references the film's title and encapsulates its central theme: that desperation, particularly over money, strips away civility and reveals people's most vicious instincts. It foreshadows the intense conflict that will erupt among the Thrombeys.
As a matter of fact, eat sh*t. How's that? (points to each family member in turn) Eat sh*t. Eat sh*t. Eat sh*t. Definitely eat sh*t.
— Ransom Drysdale
Context:
This occurs after the first will reading, where Harlan's decision to cut everyone off is revealed, and the family begins to turn on each other. Ransom, having skipped the funeral, shows up just in time to unleash his fury.
Meaning:
This profane and darkly comedic outburst perfectly captures Ransom's character: arrogant, resentful, and utterly contemptuous of his entire family. It's a memorable moment that showcases the deep-seated animosity within the Thrombey clan. The line was improvised by Chris Evans after the original, R-rated line was changed for a PG-13 rating.
But we must look a little closer. And when we do, we see that the donut hole has a hole in its center. It is not a donut hole at all, but a smaller donut with its own hole, and our donut is not whole at all!
— Benoit Blanc
Context:
Blanc delivers this speech as he begins to piece together the final truth of the case, explaining his method of looking past the obvious to find the deeper, more complex reality of the crime.
Meaning:
This is Blanc's signature, rambling metaphor for the case. It illustrates his belief that the mystery is not simple; what appears to be the center of the story (the "donut hole") is actually a more complex structure of its own. It's a convoluted but brilliant way of saying the truth is hidden within another layer of deception.
What is this? CSI: KFC?
— Ransom Drysdale
Context:
Ransom says this during his interrogation with Benoit Blanc, expressing his disdain and impatience with the detective's folksy demeanor and probing questions.
Meaning:
A snarky and memorable insult lobbed at Benoit Blanc, mocking his Southern accent and comparing the investigation to a low-rent version of a popular crime procedural. It highlights Ransom's dismissive and superior attitude towards Blanc.