REVIEW: ‘Knox Goes Away’ is a strong creative effort from Keaton

A moody drama with Michael Keaton playing a hitman? Sure, sign me up.

In addition to starring as the lead character, Keaton also directed “Knox Goes Away.” In the film,  John Knox is a contract killer who’s been dealing with memory loss. When he meets with a doctor, Knox is diagnosed with a fast-moving form of dementia that will give him only weeks to live.

Without much time left, Knox starts making arrangements to pass on all of his money to his estranged family. However, the plan becomes complicated when his son Miles (James Marsden) shows up one night asking for help in covering up a crime.

“Knox Goes Away” definitely doesn’t earn points as the most original film out there. In fact, it’s reminiscent of three movies starring Liam Neeson. Two where he has difficulty with memory issues, amnesia in 2011’s “Unknown” and dementia in 2022’s “Memory,” then another in 2015, “Run All Night,” where he has to protect his son after a crime is committed.

The truth is, though, it all comes down to execution, and what’s on display here is pretty damn good. Keaton infuses the film with a very somber, melancholic tone, and it really makes the dramatic, dark moments land strongly.

It’s a movie that effectively features the coldness associated with Knox’s work and the harsh reality of death creeping toward him, and also manages to show hints of warmth that comes with him trying to help his family. The film doesn’t attempt to redeem the protagonist, but does enough to put a person on his side for this endeavor.

The aspect of his declining memory is well utilized, too, with Keaton and the creative team pacing it out well. It starts with him forgetting a few things here and there, to his memory lapsing much more quickly, forcing him to have to take notes so he can keep up with his overarching plan.

It’s a familiar trope, but it works when done well. It was successful in the 2007 crime drama “The Lookout” with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and was this time, too. Knox is so skilled at what he does, so it’s entertaining to watch him do his work, but doing so with his declining memory in a race against the clock also puts a person on the edge of their seat.

In the lead role, Keaton is strong. He balances being an extremely dangerous individual and a man whose mind is failing so well from start to finish, especially as his condition worsens. It’s a really solid performance of a man who’s come to terms with his impending death and the wrongs of his life, but still wants to do a few things right before the end.

The supporting cast is quite good, too. While certainly not a career best, Al Pacino, who plays Knox’s good friend in the crime industry, adds a significance and urgency to picture. Also lending some good performances were Marsden, who is believable as an anxious man in a crisis, and Suzy Nakamura as a quick-witted detective.

While it isn’t action-packed, “Knox Goes Away” also features a few well-made fight sequences and the moments where Knox has to use his skills to cover things up are also fascinating. All things considered, “Knox Goes Away” doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but even though it’s not the most unique premise out there, a lot of it works rather well. 4 out of 5.

Author: Matthew Liedke

Journalist and film critic in Minnesota. Graduate of Rainy River College and Minnesota State University in Moorhead. Outside of movies I also enjoy sports, craft beers and the occasional video game. View all posts by Matthew Liedke