The Knife marks former NFL player Nnamdi Asomugha’s directorial debut, a surprising achievement given how assured and meticulously crafted the film is. While the plot itself is relatively simple, it is elevated by strong performances, striking lighting, and a tense atmosphere that Asomugha skilfully creates. The story follows a family whose evening spirals into chaos after a mysterious woman is discovered unconscious inside their new home. When the police arrive, she is found on the floor with a knife still in her hand. As a detective begins questioning the family, the parents and their two children work to protect one another’s secrets—only to realize that their choices carry consequences far more severe than they ever anticipated.
What struck me most about this film, and what stayed with me long after the credits rolled, was its commentary on racism in America and the desperate measures families take to protect themselves. In the film, Chris, played by Asomugha himself, finds himself in a situation where he could be held accountable for harming an intruder in his own home. As a result, the family is willing to go to extreme lengths to preserve the life they have worked so hard to build. The stark contrast between the all-white police force and the all-Black family creates a clear and unsettling divide, heightening the tension throughout. One line that especially stayed with me comes from Chris’s wife, played powerfully by Aja Naomi King, when she says, “This is America, Chris. I was protecting you,” a moment that underscores the painful realities and precautions Black families are forced to navigate today.
I found the film’s lighting and colour grading to be incredibly effective in creating a constant sense of dread. The heavy use of shadows and darkness throughout the house builds fear and mystery as the police officer attempts to uncover the truth. In one pivotal scene at the film’s midpoint, Chris stands beside the body, shrouded in shadow and clearly shaken by what has just occurred. When his wife enters and turns on the light, it acts as a sudden jolt—a wake-up call forcing him to confront the reality of the situation. This moment stands out as one of the few scenes lit in a higher-key style, and although the action itself is simple, the act of turning on a light, it is used to powerful effect.
The true highlight of the film, and what elevates it to another level, is its cast. Every performance feels precise and compelling. Nnamdi Asomugha is outstanding as Chris, capturing a raw desperation to protect his family and provide them with a life they can be proud of. Aja Naomi King is the clear standout, delivering a powerful performance as a mother driven by fear, love, and an overwhelming need to keep her family safe- even when that means making choices that don’t unfold as she hopes.
The child actors, real-life sisters Amari Alexis Price (Kendra) and Aiden Gabrielle Price (Riley), are equally impressive. Their innocence, placed against the backdrop of a crime scene, heightens the tension and fear, as the audience is left uncertain about what lies ahead for their family. Oscar-winner Melissa Leo is excellent as Lead Detective Carlsen, embodying a commanding and authoritative presence whose calm, methodical approach makes her all the more intimidating. She enters each scene with ease, yet her sharp intelligence allows her to slowly unravel the truth, keeping the audience on edge. Because we already know what has happened, we find ourselves anxiously rooting for the family, fearing the moment their secrets might be exposed.
Although, as mentioned earlier, The Knife is relatively simple in its construction, its plot is neither complicated nor difficult to follow. Instead, it tells a story that feels unsettlingly close to the realities frequently seen in today’s American news cycle. Its relevance and timeliness offer a chilling portrait of contemporary life in America. While the narrative itself is straightforward, it is elevated by an exceptional cast and crew, making the film a compelling and worthwhile watch. I am eager to see what Nnamdi Asomugha creates next as he continues his journey into directing.
★★★1/2
On Digital HD from 12th January (UK) /Nnamdi Asomugha, Melissa Leo, Aja Naomi King / Dir: Nnamdi Asomugha / Signature Entertainment / 15
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