Is “See How They Run” the new “Knives Out?”

After seeing the newly released mystery comedy, I can say with full confidence that it is not. Now obviously it’s very difficult to fill the shoes of “Knives Out.” The witty mystery released in 2019 was equally clever and funny while keeping the audience on the edge of their seats, but unfortunately, “See How They Run” did not reach its high standards.

While the movies have many undeniable similarities such as their specific genre and use of stereotypical characters, “Knives Out” was able to create a stronger connection with its characters and invoke more emotion. As a result, the final reveal was much more shocking and suspenseful.

It may seem like I hated “See How They Run,” but that is simply not true. I actually loved the movie, but was slightly underwhelmed by the quality of the film due to its comparison to “Knives Out.” By setting such high expectations and comparisons, I was building myself up for disappointment.

However, despite its inability to live up to “Knives Out,” “See How They Run” was still a great movie.

Set in London in the 1950s, the movie revolves around the famous play, “The Mousetrap.” The mystery begins when the director set to direct the film adaptation of the play is murdered at the play’s 100th show celebration. Two detectives are immediately put on the case to find the murderer before he takes his next victim.

Inspector Stoppard (Sam Rockwell), a lonely, apathetic inspector is assigned to the case accompanied by Constable Stalker (Saoirse Ronan), a young officer in training with a zest for life. As they investigate the shocking mystery, the new officer, Stalker, is able to learn the skills needed to pass her sergeant’s exam while renewing her superior, Stoppard’s passion for detective work.

As a huge fan of Saoirse Ronan, I was in love with her performance as Constable Stalker. She made the movie. Without her whimsical performance, the movie would have been mediocre at best. She had the theater cracking up with her one-liners and made the audience laugh the most throughout the entirety of the film.

All in all, I would definitely recommend “See How They Run.” If you get the chance, don’t miss it. But, make sure to keep your expectations in check.