By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"THE KNIFE" IS A SHARP, TENSE THRILLER
The more I see from former NFL star turned actor
Nnamdi Asomugha, the more I appreciate his range and presence on screen. Asomugha made an impressive debut in the beautifully crafted romantic drama Sylvie’s Love (2022), and now he's taking an ambitious leap forward by directing, co-writing/producing, and starring in the poignant psychological drama
"The Knife." It's a slow-burning thriller that doesn't rely on overblown twists.
Instead, "The Knife" simmers with tension, pulling viewers into the fragile mind of its central character, a man grappling with grief, guilt, and growing paranoia.
It all begins when Chris (Asomugha) returns home from work one evening, eager to unwind with his loving wife Alex (Aja Naomi King, "Sylvie's Love," TV's "Lessons in Chemistry") and their two daughters Kendra (Amari Alexis Price, "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret") and Ryley (Aiden Gabrielle Price, TV's "Angel"). But the warmth of the homecoming is quickly undercut when the girls sense something is off.
As Chris checks in on them, they notice he smells like alcohol, a troubling slip, seeing he promised the family that he had left drinking behind. He's not stumbling or slurring, but he still quietly pleads with the kids not to mention it to their mom.
Meanwhile, Alex is thrilled to see her husband. There is an easy, sweet, familiar, and tender flirtation between them. But as the moment heats up, they both remember the early morning ahead and decide to save their energy, shelving the romance for another night.
While Alex soon falls asleep, Chris is still trying to shake off the stress from work, but it's not coming easy. Just as he begins to settle in, a sudden noise from the kitchen jolts him.
On edge, he grabs his pocketknife--of all things--and cautiously goes to investigate. The house, mid-remodel, is cluttered with tools and half-finished projects, so Chris moves carefully, avoiding the light switches to keep from waking the family and to keep from tripping over anything in the dark.
He notices a door is slightly ajar. As he steps into the kitchen, his eyes lock onto a shadowy figure. Standing silently by the sink is a white woman, disheveled and dazed. Chris, startled but composed, asks if she's lost or needs help. She says nothing and doesn't turn around to face him.
Chris' instinct is to defuse the situation, but his mind races. This isn't a clear-cut intruder scenario, at least not for him. As a Black man, he is painfully aware that using force, even to protect his home, could escalate into something far worse. But before he can decide what to do, there is a loud, chaotic noise. The screen suddenly turns black. The next moment, the kids and Alex rush into the kitchen, awakened by the commotion. They freeze in horror and see the woman motionless on the floor and the pocketknife nearby.
Chris tells them to call 9-1-1. When the police arrive, the situation spirals. The lead investigator, Detective Carlsen (the always reliable Melissa Leo, "The Equalizer 3") begins questioning the children separately. Her tone is skeptical and her focus locked on Chris. As small inconsistencies surface and suspicion grows, their carefully constructed account of self-defense begins to unravel piece by agonizing piece.
Despite the film's dark turns and lingering tension, it explores something deeper than fear. It's a chilling story about responsibility, the fragility of truth, and the power of family when everything begins to fall apart.
Asomugha, who co-wrote "The Knife" with Mark Duplass (TV's "Big Mouth" and "The Morning Show") delivers a gripping and deeply human performance, both in front of and behind the camera. Aja Naomi King impresses as well with a quiet strength.
While "The Knife" doesn't offer easy answers, it reminds us that resilience can emerge from even the most harrowing circumstances.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the
Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station
KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"THE KNIFE"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Critics Choice Association (CCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
