Watch Knox Goes Away (2024) Online: A Thrilling but Flawed Journey
Knox Goes Away (2024) is the latest directorial effort from Michael Keaton, who also takes on the leading role in this introspective, yet flawed thriller. The film tells the story of John Knox, a seasoned hitman grappling with a rare and aggressive form of dementia. As Knox’s mind begins to falter, he’s thrust into a high-stakes situation involving his estranged son and a grisly murder cover-up. In this review, we will explore the film’s narrative, Keaton’s performance, and where you can stream Knox Goes Away online, especially for viewers in the U.S.
Plot Overview: The Premise with Great Potential
The premise of Knox Goes Away is intriguing. Keaton plays John Knox, a contract killer diagnosed with dementia, giving him only a few weeks to live before his mind completely deteriorates. Instead of retiring quietly, he’s forced to help his estranged son, Miles (James Marsden), cover up a murder. Miles has killed a man who raped his daughter and seeks his father’s expertise in orchestrating a foolproof plan to avoid detection.
As John navigates the complexities of a declining memory and the emotional strain of reconnecting with his son, the plot intertwines these elements into a tale of redemption, crime, and mental decline. This is not just a thriller, but a deeper character study focusing on Knox’s internal conflict. His gradual memory loss adds tension to the unfolding crime, raising the stakes as he attempts to complete his final task before losing control of his mind.
Michael Keaton’s Performance: A Double-Edged Sword
Keaton’s portrayal of Knox is, without a doubt, the anchor of the film. His quiet yet commanding presence resonates with the audience, particularly during scenes where he must confront his deteriorating mental state. However, despite the solid performance, some aspects of his character feel underdeveloped. The film sets up Knox as a complex character with a rich backstory—an intellectual with PhDs in English and History, as well as a Gulf War veteran—yet we are only given glimpses of these layers, leaving much to be desired in terms of character exploration.
The relationship between Knox and his son, Miles, could have added emotional depth to the story. However, their interactions feel sparse, and the film does not fully explore their estranged relationship. This missed opportunity lessens the emotional impact of Knox’s journey, making the film feel more like a conventional thriller rather than a deep dive into Knox’s psyche.
Supporting Cast and Characters
The supporting cast, which includes James Marsden, Al Pacino, and Marcia Gay Harden, bring their A-game but are ultimately underutilized. Pacino’s character, Xavier Crane, is introduced as a potential ally to Knox, yet his role feels more like a narrative device rather than a fully fleshed-out character. Similarly, Marsden’s portrayal of Miles lacks the emotional intensity necessary to fully engage the audience in the father-son dynamic.
Suzy Nakamura, who plays Detective Emily Ikari, is one of the few supporting characters given more screen time. Her character, tasked with investigating both murders, adds a much-needed edge to the otherwise subdued tone of the film. However, even her subplot, which delves into her personal struggles with family and sexism in the workplace, feels somewhat disconnected from the core narrative.
Direction and Visual Style: A Slow Burn
Keaton’s direction is deliberate and methodical, much like the pacing of the film itself. While this slow-burn approach works well for a character-driven narrative, it sacrifices the tension and suspense typically expected in a thriller. The film’s muted color palette and flat photography, combined with a moody jazz score, evoke a noir atmosphere, but the visual style lacks the dynamic flair that could have elevated the story.
Where to Watch Knox Goes Away (2024) Online
If you’re interested in watching Knox Goes Away, you have several streaming options. The movie is available through a mix of subscription-based streaming platforms and rental or purchase services, primarily catering to viewers in the United States.
Available Streaming Services:
- Hulu – Knox Goes Away is currently available to stream for subscribers of Hulu. The platform offers a wide range of movies, and this film is included in their extensive library.
- Amazon Prime Video – For those with an Amazon Prime membership, you can rent or purchase Knox Goes Away through the Prime Video service. This is a convenient option for viewers looking to watch the film without subscribing to additional streaming platforms.
- Apple TV – Another rental and purchase option is Apple TV, which allows you to buy or rent the film. The platform offers it in both HD and 4K formats for an enhanced viewing experience.
- Google Play Movies – If you prefer to rent or buy movies through Google Play, Knox Goes Away is available here as well. You can access it on various devices, including Android phones, smart TVs, and web browsers.
- Vudu – Vudu is another rental and purchase service offering Knox Goes Away. Known for its user-friendly interface and high-definition options, it’s a solid choice for those who want to own or rent the film.
Final Verdict
While Knox Goes Away has a captivating premise and a strong central performance from Michael Keaton, the film ultimately falls short of its potential. The slow pacing and underdeveloped characters detract from what could have been a gripping thriller. Still, the film’s exploration of dementia within the framework of a crime drama offers a unique perspective. If you’re a fan of Keaton or enjoy character-driven thrillers, Knox Goes Away is worth a watch—just temper your expectations.
