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Drama

The Knife (2025): Cast & Ratings

The Knife (2025) movie poster

The Knife is a 2025 drama starring Nnamdi Asomugha as Chris, Aja Naomi King and Melissa Leo. It runs 1 hour 22 minutes. Critics gave it 62 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.6/10.

IMDb rating
5.6/10
Echo Score
70
Metascore
62
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The Knife (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 22m (82 min)
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Knife About?

The premise of The Knife without spoilers.

All Chris (Nnamdi Asomugha) wants is to carve a promising future for his beloved wife Alex (Aja Naomi King) and their two girls, a young family chasing the American Dream. One fateful night, his world is shaken when a mysterious stranger appears in their humble home, leaving Chris distressed and forcing him to confront an uncertain threat that could upend their hopes.

The Knife Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • family relationships
  • black family
  • knife
  • stranger
  • detective
  • two word title
  • father daughter relationship
  • ringing cellphone
  • medication
  • looking in the mirror
  • drinking beer
  • husband wife relationship
+38 more
  • african american
  • headphones
  • kiss
  • beer
  • bare chested male
  • pictures
  • voice over narration
  • middle of the night
  • drinking
  • dropping a cell phone
  • brushing teeth
  • dog barks
  • noise
  • back door
  • stranger in the house
  • side boob
  • calling 911
  • kitchen
  • two daughters
  • mother daughter relationship
  • breathing hard
  • confusion
  • baby
  • crying baby
  • man holding a baby
  • father holding his baby
  • woman
  • fixing the wall
  • get your story straight
  • wife helps husband
  • self defense
  • police
  • police officer
  • police officers
  • moving object
  • scene of the crime
  • changing
  • police house search
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Cast & crew

The Knife Cast & Characters

Nnamdi Asomugha leads the cast as Chris, with Aja Naomi King as Alex and Melissa Leo as Detective Carlsen.

Also Starring in The Knife

· 8 more
Ratings

The Knife Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Knife 62 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in art & craft (78) and weakest in sensory experience (60).

70 /100

The Knife Echo Score Breakdown

The Knife delivers a tightly wound thriller whose primary strength lies in sustained tension, though its narrative ambition is uneven. Critics and viewers commend the film’s ability to linger in the mind, citing persistent suspense and strong performances that keep audiences engaged. Conversely, several reviews note predictable moments, unrealistic plot elements, and a muddled social commentary that dilute its impact. The mixed reception yields a moderately positive impression, reflecting both its compelling atmosphere and its narrative shortcomings.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of direction and cinematography, the film is described as competently filmed and visually effective at sustaining tension. Critics highlight the crisp editing that supports the suspenseful pacing, while praising the overall craft as solid. However, some note a lack of innovative visual flair, suggesting the technical execution, though proficient, does not break new ground. The craftsmanship is therefore solid but unremarkable.

  • Character & Emotion 72

    When evaluating acting and emotional depth, reviewers point to well‑acted performances, noting especially the convincing portrayal of the detective role. Positive remarks emphasize nuanced chemistry that heightens the film’s tension. Yet some critics observe a scarcity of genuine emotional moments beyond anxiety, indicating limited character development. Overall, the performances are strong enough to sustain interest, though the emotional resonance remains constrained.

  • Story & Flow 66

    The narrative is praised for its twisty structure that builds discomfort and a compelling sense of suspense. Reviewers commend the plot’s ability to keep viewers engaged and its lingering impact after the credits. Conversely, several comments criticize predictable beats, unrealistic events, and a muddled social commentary that weakens coherence. Consequently, the story delivers strong moments of tension but suffers from uneven originality and plausibility.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    The film’s auditory and visual design contributes to its claustrophobic atmosphere, with sound cues enhancing the gnawing suspense noted by many reviewers. While the score is not highlighted directly, the overall sensory execution is deemed effective at maintaining tension. No specific criticisms of the soundtrack or visual style are presented, suggesting a competent but unremarkable sensory experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 72

    Rewatch value is highlighted by several audience members who describe the film as lingering and thought‑provoking long after viewing. The persistent tension and memorable performances encourage repeat viewings. However, the perceived incompleteness and occasional unrealistic plot points may deter some viewers from returning. Overall, the film offers a moderately strong incentive for additional watches due to its lasting impression.

Seen The Knife?

FAQ

The Knife FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Knife, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Knife?

The Knife runs 1 hour 22 minutes (82 minutes).

When was The Knife released?

The Knife was released on August 15, 2025.

Who is in the cast of The Knife?

The Knife stars Nnamdi Asomugha as Chris, Aja Naomi King as Alex and Melissa Leo as Detective Carlsen, among 12 credited actors.

How is The Knife rated?

The Knife has 5.6/10 on IMDb and 62 on Metacritic.

Does The Knife have a post-credit scene?

No. The Knife has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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