The film “Knives Out” is an award nominated dark comedy written by Rian Johnson, who is best (and actually only) known as the writer and director of “The Last Jedi”, the 8th installment of the “Star Wars” saga. The film involves the death of the patriarch of a family, his will, and the machinations of his family to obtain his estate. It also involves the Hercule Poirot-esque detective played by Daniel Craig investigating the death.
Without revealing any significant plot parts, I noticed a few estate planning points:
1. Will readings are entirely a creative device for Hollywood. I have never been part of one in 30+ years of practice.
2. The grandchildren were part of the angry family pining for an inheritance, but rarely would grandchildren inherit a meaningful sum from their grandparent unless their own parent were deceased.
3. The film did correctly reference the Slayer Statute.
4.Channeling my Gene Siskel, skinny, late middle-aged, bald man critic mode – if you are looking for something to stream, “Knives Out” is much more entertaining than the multitude of sequels and re-makes released by Hollywood last year.
Photo Credit (Unknown, but happy to give credit)
License: Fair Use/Education (from linked article)
