Knox Goes Away: An Excellent Crime Thriller with a Fantastic Cast
Under Michael Keaton's direction, Knox Goes Away is an unusual crime thriller with a great ensemble cast. Keaton, a co-producer as well, plays John "Aristotle" Knox, a contract killer estranged from his wife, Ruby Knox (Marcia Gay Harden), and his adult son, Miles Knox (James Marsden). Thomas "Tommy" Muncie (Ray McKinnon), John Knox's closest friend and criminal partner, grows concerned when Knox suddenly leaves town on a personal trip. Knox discovers on this trip that he has Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, a fast progressing type of dementia.
John "Aristotle" Knox: Aghast Facing His Death
Knox chooses to leave the field of contract killing when his life expectancy is few weeks. But Knox takes one last job from crime boss Jericho before leaving. John kills his friend by accident while working on this project with Tommy. When Miles shows up, desperate and afraid after killing the man attacking his teenage daughter, Knox's circumstances get more convoluted. Knox sets out to flee Detective Emily Ikari's (Suzy Nakamura) suspicions and protect his retirement money before his illness takes over in Michael Keaton's understated thriller.
A Cast of Known Names
The gifted ensemble of actors in Knox Goes Away gives their characters complexity and nuance.
John "Aristotle" Knox's Michael Keaton
Michael Keaton's performance of John "Aristotle" Knox, a hitman confronting a terminal illness, is both gripping and sad. Renowned for his performances in movies including Batman, Beetlejuice, and Birdman, Keaton gives this multifarious character his trademark intensity and nuance. Knox is a man battling his past, death, and his need to shield his family. Keaton's performance vividly depicts the inner conflicts of a man attempting at atonement for past deeds while battling a crippling illness.
Miles Knox is James Marsden.
James Marsden portrays John's estranged son Miles Knox, thrown into a dire circumstances. Marsden, well-known for his parts in X-Men, Westworld, and Dead to Me, brings to his performance sensitivity and desperation. Miles is a man who, upon committing a crime in protection of his daughter, must face his own dark side. Marsden's performance vividly depicts the emotional turmoil of a man trying to negotiate the fallout from his acts and shield his family.
Detective Emily Ikari, Suzy Nakamura
Renowned for her parts in Dr. Ken and Avenue 5, Suzy Nakamura gives a fantastic performance as Detective Emily Ikari. Driven investigator Ikari is looking at two murders: one by Miles and the other by John Knox. Nakamura highlights Ikari's commitment to revealing the truth by bringing to the part a sense of intelligence and intensity. Her performance gives the story more mystery and suspense.
Thomas "Tommy" Muncie's Ray McKinnon
Veteran character actor Ray McKinnon plays Thomas "Tommy" Muncie; he credits O Brother, Where Art Thou, Deadwood, and Sons of Anarchy. Tommy is Knox's best friend and criminal partner. Showcasing the close relationship between Knox and Tommy, McKinnon brings loyalty and friendliness to the part. His performance gives the movie more emotional nuance.
Ruby Knox: Marcia Gay Harden
Renowned actress Marcia Gay Harden, best known for her parts in Pollock, Mystic River, and The Morning Show, plays John's estranged wife Ruby Knox. With understated yet forceful performance, Harden captures the complexity of Ruby's relationship with John. Her involvement gives the movie some emotional weight.
Al Pacino playing Xavier Crane
Renowned actor Al Pacino, who starred in The Godfather, Scarface, and Scent of a Woman, makes a striking appearance as Xavier Crane, a former friend and burglar of Knox's. Pacino gives the part his trademark charm and intensity, so giving a major scene in the movie life. His performance gives the story more mystery and suspense.
More than just a crime thriller
More than just a crime thriller, Knox Goes Away explores family, atonement, and confronting one's mortality. Keaton's direction is expert, building suspense and mystery while deftly navigating the emotional complexity of his characters. The last scene of the movie is interesting and fulfilling that will stay with the audience. Fans of crime thrillers as well as anyone who enjoys a well-made movie with great performances and an engaging narrative should definitely see Knox Goes Away.
