Knox Goes Away Movie Review

Knox Goes Away (2023)

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Written by: Gregory Poirier
Directed by: Michael Keaton
Starring: Michael Keaton, James Marsden, Suzy Nakamura, Joanna Kulig, Ray McKinnon, Lela Loren, Marcia Gay Harden, Al Pacino


Rated: R
Watch the trailer

Plot
When a contract killer develops a rapidly evolving form of dementia, he is offered an opportunity to redeem himself by saving his estranged adult son.

Verdict
It's a typical premise, but the dementia angle gives it some depth it would otherwise desperately need. With that premise this does an expert job of doling out pieces of the plan, providing the right amount at the right time with everything coming together at the end. Throughout the movie we're left wondering if Knox, in his diminished capacity, can even pull off this plan. He has trouble remembering even simple things. It's not great, but it's pretty good even if the dementia aspect seems too self-serving.
It depends.

Review
Keaton directed, produced, and starred in this which immediately got my attention. If he felt so strongly about this movie, does it justify his work?

This starts with Knox (Michael Keaton) having dinner with a friend. Knox seems to be well off, though he's cagey with his friend about where he's going. We soon discover he has a condition that's like an advanced Alzheimer's. It progresses rapidly, within weeks we're told. While I was doubtful, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease really can progress that quickly.

Michael Keaton plays Knox

It's an intriguing hook. Knox is a hit man that's now dealing with a degenerative illness that directly affects his job, a job that requires mental and physical acuity. On top of that, Knox's estranged son shows up needing help. Miles (James Marsden) is so desperate that he's come to Knox after years of no contact. Knox didn't even recognize him at first, but now he must get Miles out of trouble. He comes up with a wild plan, at least that's what we're told. We don't know the plan, but Knox's confidant Xavier (Al Pacino) states it will take precision, which is not something Knox has at the moment. He's forgetful. His most formidable antagonist is his own mind. Knox has Xavier calling him just to make sure he stays on task. It seems doomed to fail.

 Suzy Nakamura, James Marsden play Detective Ikari, Miles Knox

We can only guess at this plan. At first I wondered if Knox would frame himself for the crime, then it seemed he might be framing his son to divert attention. It's up and down, but it makes for an exciting resolution. While all of this happens, Knox is liquidating his assets to prepare for his 'retirement.' The problem is remembering what locks his keys fit and where he's stashed his various assets.

This felt like a movie that would have a twist, and we certainly get more than a few surprises. It kept me guessing throughout. Even when I thought I knew what was going to happen, I wasn't sure how the movie was going to get there. Without the degenerative illness, this would have been pretty bland. With it, this provides the movie with an interesting angle, but it never feels realistic. The impediments are too convenient or easily negated. I'm not sure a person without the disease could pull this off, much less someone with Knox's hindrances.