Rian Johnson directed this acclaimed mystery film where Detective Benoit Blanc investigates the death of a patriarch of an eccentric, combative family, leading to a tangled web of secrets and lies. What is the title of this whodunit?

The acclaimed mystery film described, where Detective Benoit Blanc unravels the death of a wealthy patriarch amidst his eccentric and combative family, is Rian Johnson's Knives Out (Review). This 2019 whodunit perfectly matches the intricate plot, featuring the renowned private investigator, portrayed by Daniel Craig, delving into a tangled web of secrets and lies following the suspicious demise of mystery novelist Harlan Thrombey. The film masterfully sets up a classic locked-room mystery scenario, with every family member becoming a plausible suspect, each with their own motive and hidden agenda.

Director Rian Johnson, who also wrote the screenplay, conceived Knives Out with a deep appreciation for the traditional whodunit genre, drawing inspiration from Agatha Christie's classic detective stories. However, Johnson put his own modern spin on the format, creating a film that was not only a critical success but also a box office hit, grossing over $312 million worldwide. Its clever plotting, sharp dialogue, and stellar ensemble cast, which includes Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Christopher Plummer, earned it an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

Beyond its thrilling mystery, Knives Out also offers interesting layers of social commentary, subtly exploring themes of class, wealth, and immigration within contemporary American society. The film's title itself is a reference to a Radiohead song, though Johnson has stated the song's lyrics are unrelated to the movie's plot. The success of Knives Out launched a new series of films centered around Detective Benoit Blanc, with subsequent installments continuing his investigations into new mysteries.