Verbal Diorama - Episode 258 - Knives Out - Verbal Diorama

Episode 258

Knives Out

Published on: 6th June, 2024

After finishing Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, director Rian Johnson had a brief window of opportunity to make another movie, and decided to go back to an old idea from the mid 2000s, based on the Agatha Christie's murder mysteries and the Choose Your Own Adventure books he loved reading as a child.

Wait a minute - I read a tweet about a New Yorker article about this episode...

Taking cues from Alfred Hitchcock, he would devise Knives Out, a whodunit where you would find out who did it up front, but did they actually do it? The death of 85-year-old murder mystery author Harlan Thrombey the night of his birthday party appears to be suicide, but can we trust the Thrombey family's stories, recollections of the night, or their intentions for Harlan's million dollar inheritance? Or can we only trust Great Nana Wanetta?

It's a weird case from the start. A case with a hole in the centre. A doughnut.

Johnson's story of immigration, class and privilege didn't need to be this smart and fun. It also only cost $40 million... with this incredible ensemble cast and attention to detail; production and set design beyond words.

Rian Johnson. Hugh did this.

I would love to hear your thoughts on Knives Out !

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About the Podcast

Verbal Diorama
The award-winning podcast celebrating the history and legacy of movies you know, and movies you don't.
The award-winning podcast celebrating the history and legacy of movies you know, and movies you don't.

Have you ever wondered how your favourite movies were made? Hosted by Em, Verbal Diorama takes you behind the scenes to discover the extraordinary stories of cast and crew who bring movies to life.

Movies are tough to make, and this podcast proves how amazing it is that they actually exist. From Hollywood classics to hidden gems, each episode explores the history, legacy, and untold stories that make cinema magic.

Ear Worthy 2024 Best Movie Podcast Winner | Golden Lobes 2025 Earworm Award Nominee | Ear Worthy 2025 Best Movie Podcast Nominee

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About your host

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Em .

Hi! I'm Em. I created Verbal Diorama in 2018, and launched the podcast in February 2019 to rapturous applause and acclaim.... from my cat Jess.

The modus operandi of Verbal Diorama is simple: movies are tough to make! The coming together of a team of people from all walks of life to make something to entertain, delight and educate us for 90+ mins is not an easy task, and yet so many succeed at it. That must be something to celebrate.

I'm here to do just that - to celebrate movies. Their history and legacy, and why they remain so special to so many of us.

Episodes are audibly book ended by Jess. She sadly passed away in March 2022, aged almost 18. She featured in many episodes of the podcast, and that's why you can hear her at the end of every episode. The role of official feline producer is now held by the comparatively quieter Evie and Peggy.

I love podcasts, and listen to many, but never my own.

I unashamedly love The Mummy (1999) and Grease 2. I'm still looking for a cool rider.