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often associated with its setting, including 
large houses with wealthy families, isolated 
homes in vast expanses of forest, and 
technological deserts in which everyday 
things like cell phones are all but useless. 
These characteristics assist with the plot, 
and oftentimes are key contributors to the 
facts of the case. The manor in the 2019 
film Knives Out, directed by Rian Johnson, 
displays these tropes outrightly, as it is in 
a large expanse of woods, and the family 
living in the house is built upon a family 
legacy of vast amounts of wealth. In many 
cases of crime fiction, the old manors come 
from old generations of money. Many 
characters throughout the film believe 
victim Harlan Thrombey to be from old 
money, although it is revealed later that 
this may not be a genuine portrayal of his 
rise into wealth, altering the perception of 
how his manor and ultimately his legacy is 
viewed. Unlike other crime fiction settings, 

Knives Out utilizes technology in order to 
put together pieces of the crime, instead of 
eliminating its use, as is common in crime 
fiction settings. The setting of the film is as 
important a piece to a crime fiction narrative 
as any other plot devices, like characters 
or events. This essay seeks to examine the 
tropes utilized in the film, and how they 
worked in providing evidence towards the 
case of the murder of Harlan Thrombey. 
The film also plays with crime fiction tropes 
in terms of technology. The mansion has 
aspects that are both archaic, like the VHS 
tape security system, but also modern, in 
the use of social media throughout the 
film. This essay will also show how the 
film used inverse versions of crime fiction 
stereotypes to craft a crime narrative. 

The Mysteriously Murderous 
Manors of Crime Fiction: An 
Examination of Setting in 

Knives Out

Angelo Gonzalez, Ball State University

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In the 2019 film Knives Out, directed by Rian Johnson, the setting plays a crucial role 
in the narrative. As Stephen D. Rogers writes, “Setting, the time and place of a story, 
is particularly important in the mystery genre. Not only do carefully chosen details 
enrich the tale, but they may also very well assist or impede the investigation, even 
after possibly being an accessory to the crime” (1). Set in a gothic manor in modern-
day New England, the film follows the investigation into the death of crime novelist 
Harlan Thrombey. As one reviewer notes, “Johnson goes back to his roots with an 
updated homage to the Agatha Christie whodunnits he loved as a child, and to those 
‘cheekily self-aware’ screen adaptations in which Peter Ustinov would lead an all-star 
cast through a labyrinthine murder mystery” (Jones 1). The mention of Peter Ustinov 
leading an all-star cast suggests that Johnson is incorporating the tradition of the 
grand ensemble cast, which has long been a staple of murder mystery films. The 
reference to a labyrinthine murder mystery highlights the film’s intricate plot, which 
adds to the suspense and excitement of the story. In this way, Johnson’s work can 
be seen as a nostalgic tribute to the mystery genre that shaped his formative years, 
imbued with a contemporary, humorous sensibility.  
 The film’s setting, described as a “gothic pile,” adds to the film’s success. This 
isolated setting is a common trope in crime fiction, as it allows for a sense of mystery 
and isolation, making it easier for the crime to take place without interference. The 
manor itself is also a trope in crime fiction, as it is often associated with old money 
and a family legacy of wealth. In Knives Out, the Thrombey family is seen as having 
old money, although this is later revealed to be a façade. The setting not only serves 
as a backdrop for the crime, but also plays an active role in shaping the narrative and 
the perception of the characters. This essay seeks to examine the tropes of setting 
common to crime fiction utilized in the film and how they contribute to the narrative, 
aiding Rian Johnson in creating a nostalgic film that harkens back to the stories of 
Agatha Christie, but offers a unique vision of the future of crime film.   

Background on Crime Fiction and Setting Tropes  
Crime fiction has come to be recognized as a crucial element in the preservation 
of social order. Readers of crime fiction are given the opportunity to participate in 
the penalizing of perpetrators and to be active members in a moral framework that 
maintains order in society. The genre’s focus on what it means to be human and the 
complex motivation behind crime also allows readers to engage with ideas of justice 
and punishment. The appeal factors of crime fiction, including story, setting, character, 
and language, draw readers to the genre and allow for a wide range of sub-genres to 

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exist. As the critic John Scaggs argues, “Crime has nevertheless been the foundation 
for an entire genre of fiction for over one hundred and fifty years” (23). For over a 
century, crime fiction has been drawing readers in with its focus on humanity, justice, 
and punishment. 
 In addition to its exploration of crime and its consequences, crime fiction also 
offers readers the opportunity to participate in the penalizing of perpetrators and 
to be active members in a moral framework that maintains social order. The ending 
of a crime fiction story offers the possibility of restoration and a return to innocence, 
making the genre particularly appealing to readers who “suffer from a sense of sin” 
(Auden 411). Despite the fact that many readers know of the genre’s “tricks,” crime 
fiction continues to be popular and relevant because it allows readers to engage with 
important moral and societal issues. Despite its popularity, the genre of crime fiction 
is not without its pitfalls, as it can be seen as perpetuating harmful stereotypes and 
supporting the status quo. However, its ability to experiment and critique social issues 
makes it an important genre in world literature. The setting of the film ties into the 
framework Auden sets up, as it allows the audiences to connect the scenery to the 
events that take place within the film.  

Application of Tropes in Knives Out   
The opening scene of Knives Out takes place on the third floor of the Thrombey Estate, 
in the master bedroom suite, which is empty and unslept in. This sets a somber tone 
and immediately creates a sense of unease, as it is not typical for the master of the 
house not to have slept in his own bedroom, and it was known he was there the night 
before. The setting is further emphasized when Fran, the housekeeper, heads out onto 
the landing and up an even narrower half-flight of stairs, which leads to a single door, 
creating a feeling of claustrophobia and a sense of foreboding as Fran ascends to the 
top of the house in search of her boss. She arrives at the top of the stairs and knocks, 
not waiting long before entering what will soon be a highly investigated crime scene. 
The cramped attic study where Harlan Thrombey’s body is discovered is described as 
having every shelf crammed with curios, adding to the sense of clutter and disarray. 
The fact that the murder takes place in such a wealthy and extravagant setting also 
emphasizes the power dynamics at play in the story. The manor’s status as a symbol of 
old wealth and power adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, as the motivations 
of the characters are informed by their association with this world of privilege and 
prestige. The manor’s implied history and elegant design serve as the backdrop for 
the unfolding events, and its central role in the narrative underscores the importance 
of setting in the creation of a successful crime story. In this opening scene, Knives Out 

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demonstrates how the careful selection of setting can play a crucial role in the success 
of a modern homage to classic crime fiction. 

 

 The next scene after the opening credits is in direct contrast to the glamor and 
extravagance of the manor seen before. Instead, the audience is put in the bedroom 
of a 20-year-old woman living in a small, cramped apartment with her family. The 
differences between the Thrombey manor and Marta Cabrera’s housing project could 
not be starker. Marta’s apartment is plain, modern, and cramped, in sharp contrast to 
the opulent, spacious mansion in which Harlan met his untimely demise. Her family’s 
kitchen is humble, with her sister Alice watching CSI on an iPad at the kitchen table 
and her mother concerned for Marta’s well-being while preparing for the day. The 
contrast between the two settings emphasizes the class divide at the heart of the 
film’s narrative, and highlights the unique challenges faced by Marta Cabrera as she 
navigates a world that is both alien and hostile to her.  
 One of the key tropes of crime fiction is the isolated manor, often belonging 
to a wealthy family with a dark past. In Knives Out, the Thrombey family’s expansive 
manor in a secluded forest is a fitting setting for a crime fiction novel, as it provides 
the necessary seclusion and secrecy for the crime to take place. As Cathy Cole writes, 
“the settings of crime fiction are often associated with power and money, the places of 

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Figure 1. Film capture the outside of the Thrombey Estate. 2019, Knives Out.



privilege and authority that are closed to most people” (116).  The use of such exclusive 
settings in crime fiction highlights the idea that crime and wrongdoing are often 
associated with positions of power and wealth. This idea is reinforced by the fact that 
the Thrombey manor is only accessible to those within the family or those who have 
been invited, like Marta. This exclusivity emphasizes the gap between the wealthy 
and the poor in society, as everyday people are shut out from these places of privilege 
and authority. This idea is also reflected in the parallels between the trick window and 
Marta’s own use of trickery to protect herself and her family, highlighting the need to 
be careful and use wits to stay ahead of those in positions of authority.

   

 In a setting framing scene from Knives Out, Lieutenant Elliott expresses his 
frustration with the case, stating that it’s an open-and-shut case of suicide and that he 
expected something more interesting from the great Benoit Blanc as they take a stroll 
outside, revealing the exterior of the mansion they are working with. While walking, 
Blanc picks up an old baseball lying in the grass and asks about the method of death, 
noting the dramatic nature of a throat slit for a suicide. This exchange highlights the 
tension between the expectation of a straightforward resolution and the possibility 
of a more complex mystery, often sought after by Detective Blanc. This tension is 
mirrored in the film’s setting, which is described as a “giant Clue board” by Lt. Elliot.  

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Figure 2. Film capture of Marta Cabrera’s family in thier kitchen. 2019, Knives Out.



 
 This comparison to the classic board game serves to reinforce the idea that the 
Thrombey manor is a labyrinthine mystery waiting to be solved. Additionally, the 
varied elements and tropes common in crime media add to the tension of the film 
and reinforce the significance of the setting, which serves as more than just a physical 
location, but as a character that affects the events of the story. By utilizing timeless 
cinematography and comparisons to classic crime media, Knives Out effectively 
creates a sense of mystery and unease, inviting the audience to join Blanc and Marta in 
solving the puzzle of Harlan’s death.  
 Another common trope of crime fiction is the lack of technology in the setting. 
In Knives Out, detectives use a variety of devices, including cell phones and VHS tapes, 
to gather evidence and piece together the events leading up to the murder. This use 
of technology adds a twist to the traditional crime narrative, setting it apart from other 
works in the genre. The film also utilizes technology in a unique way in comparison 
to other crime fiction narratives. Rather than eliminating technology, as is often done 
in order to create a sense of isolation, the characters in Knives Out use technology to 
uncover clues and piece together the crime. For example, the manor has a VHS tape 

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Figure 3. Film capture Marta Cabrera and Harlan Thrombey in his office. 2019, Knives Out.



security system, which is an old and outdated technology, but the characters also 
use their cell phones to keep tabs on other members of the family to uncover secrets 
about them. In a key scene of Knives Out, the conversation between Ransom and 
Marta at a restaurant is interrupted by the ringing of Marta’s phone. Meg’s phone call 
to Marta, in which she pretends to be alone on the phone while the rest of the family 
listens in, demonstrates her utilizing a manipulation tactic, something Meg, a friend of 
Marta, would not normally do. However, due to the additional familial pressures and 
the threat of their way of life, she gives in and begins playing the game with the rest of 
her family.

 The sprawling estate of the Thrombey family, with its ornate furnishings and 
expensive artwork, gives off the impression of a family steeped in generational 
wealth and prestige. The reveal of Harlan Thrombey’s family home being bought 
in the ‘80s and their generational wealth being a lie, as unveiled by Blanc in one of 
the final scenes, serves as a critical turning point in the perception the audience has 
of the Thrombey family. This revelation discredits the family’s presumed prestige, 
shattering the illusion of their wealth and power. It reveals the deceitful and corrupt 
nature of those in positions of authority, subverting the audience’s expectations and 
reinforcing the notion that crime media often employs the settings of power and 

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Figure 4. Film capture of Meg Thrombey on the phone with Marta. 2019, Knvies Out.



wealth to question morality. As all the Thrombeys become increasingly antagonistic 
in a last-ditch effort to save the fortune they feel entitled to, Marta remains the only 
character to sympathize with, representing the working-class background that is often 
overshadowed by those of the elite. Overall, the scene and the revelation of the family 
home’s history highlight the underlying theme of Knives Out, which is that even those 
with wealth who are enabled by the power wealth gives can be motivated by their 
greed and desire for more.  

            
 As Joel Goldman writes, “A setting with a heartbeat represents the difference 
between good and great crime fiction; and allows readers to develop a true 
attachment to protagonists and, yes, a deep-seated fear and loathing of the villain” 
(1).  The manor in Knives Out acts as a symbol of the family’s wealth and power, as well 
as the conflicts and tensions that arise among the family members as they navigate 
the investigation into Harlan’s death. It is not just a static backdrop for the action, but 
a living, breathing presence that influences and is influenced by the characters. By 
using the manor as a character, Rian Johnson creates a more immersive and engaging 
story, deepening the reader’s connection to the characters and the environment that 
they are in, and further, how that environment influences their behaviors and actions 
throughout the film. 

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Figure 5. Film capture of Benoit Blanc sitting on a throne of knives. 2019, Knives Out.



 Overall, the setting of Knives Out plays a crucial role in the narrative, adding 
to the film’s success as a crime fiction story. As David Geherin argues, “[W]hen a 
writer uses location as more than backdrop by weaving it into the very fabric of the 
novel, affecting every other element of the work, the reader gets far more than local 
color” (1). When the setting becomes more than just a physical location, but rather 
a character affecting every other element of the work, the reader gains a deeper 
understanding of the story. This results in a richer and immersive experience for the 
reader, as they can fully grasp the impact of the location on the events of the story. 
By weaving the setting into the narrative in this way, the writer can create a more 
nuanced and impactful story. The same can be applied to films of the crime fiction 
genre, as is the case with Knives Out. The isolated manor and the use of technology 
subvert common tropes in the genre, making for a unique and engaging narrative. 
The setting of the film is an important part of the narrative, as it allows for the 
development of attachment to the characters, as well as adding to the foreboding 
undertones. Rian Johnson utilizes the tropes of crime fiction in order to create a piece 
of media that makes the setting into a delightful character for the viewers to enjoy, 
instead of just leaving it as scenery. Even as the audience believes they know exactly 
what happened to Harlan from the beginning, there is a sense that there is another 
layer of the story still waiting to be told. The use and subversion of common crime 
fiction tropes in the setting of the film make it a standout in the genre and add to the 
tensions during the rising action.  
 According to writer Donald Cawelti, the evolution of the classical detective genre 
has been to give “increasing importance to the intricacy of the puzzle surrounding 
the crime and less prominence to the detective’s initiative in the investigation” (84). 
This runs in accordance with Benoit Blanc’s more passive investigative method in the 
film, where the emphasis is set on the mystery of the crime itself, with the backdrop 
giving important context along the way. Films must focus more on the complexity of 
the plot, so utilizing a classic setting formula, as done in Knives Out, aids in allowing 
for the plots to become odd and whimsical, and therefore original in nature. This film 
serves as a prime example of how the setting can be used to enhance the genre and 
create a standout piece of media. The future of crime films may rely on including more 
nostalgic tropes from crime media in order to create the mix of nostalgia and real-
world narratives that contemporary audiences crave, just as Knives Out has displayed. 
 
 

Gonzalez

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Works Cited  

Auden, W.H. “The Guilty Vicarage: Notes on the Detective Story, From an Addict.” 
Harper’s Magazine, harpers.org/archive/1948/05/the-guilty-vicarage/.   

Cawelti, J.G. “Adventure, Mystery, and Romance: Formula Stories as Art and Popular 
Culture.”  University of Chicago Press, 1976.  

Cole, Cathy. “Private Dicks and Feisty Chicks: An Interrogation of Crime Fiction.” 

Fremantle, 2004.  

Franks, R. “A Taste for Murder: The Curious Case of Crime Fiction”. M/C Journal, vol. 17, 
no. 1, Mar. 2014, doi.org/10.5204/mcj.770.  

Geherin, David. “Scene of the Crime: The Importance of Place in Crime and Detective 
Fiction” Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2008. 

Goldman, Joel. “You Set Me Up: Importance of Setting in Crime Fiction.” PML Media, 6 
June 2013, joelgoldman.com/you-set-me-up-importance-of-setting-in-crime-
fiction/.   

Huang, Chi-Chieh. “Knives Out (2019) and the Classical Detective Formula.” Diggit 
Magazine, 10 Dec. 2022, www.diggitmagazine.com/papers/knives-out-2019-
and-classical-detective-formula 

Johnson, Rian. Knives Out. Lionsgate, 2019.  

Rogers, Stephen D. “The Scene of the Crime: Choosing Your Setting.” Writing World, 
2002, www.writing-world.com/mystery/setting.shtml. 

Scaggs, John. “Crime Fiction Theory.” SlideShare, 23 Apr. 2016, www.slideshare.net/

tirsinacristina/crime-fiction-theory.  

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https://harpers.org/archive/1948/05/the-guilty-vicarage/
https://journal.media-culture.org.au/index.php/mcjournal/article/view/770
https://joelgoldman.com/you-set-me-up-importance-of-setting-in-crime-fiction/
https://joelgoldman.com/you-set-me-up-importance-of-setting-in-crime-fiction/
https://www.diggitmagazine.com/papers/knives-out-2019-and-classical-detective-formula
https://www.diggitmagazine.com/papers/knives-out-2019-and-classical-detective-formula
https://www.writing-world.com/mystery/setting.shtml
https://www.slideshare.net/tirsinacristina/crime-fiction-theory
https://www.slideshare.net/tirsinacristina/crime-fiction-theory

