The Knife, a psychological thriller marking the directorial debut of Nnamdi Asomugha, is headed to theaters nationwide on August 15, via Relativity Media and Inaugural Entertainment.
The film, which premiered to critical acclaim at the Tribeca Film Festival—where it won Best New Narrative Director and Best Cinematography—tells the story of a young family whose quiet life is shattered when a stranger unexpectedly enters their home.
Asomugha, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mark Duplass (The Morning Show), also stars in the film alongside Aja Naomi King, Melissa Leo, Manny Jacinto, Amari Price, and Aiden Price.
The story centers on Chris (Asomugha), a devoted father and husband working hard to provide a better life for his wife, Alex (King), and their two young daughters (played by Amari and Aiden Price). But everything changes when a mysterious figure breaks into their home, leading to a night of unsettling revelations. Over the course of one harrowing night, secrets are unearthed, truths are challenged, and a relentless detective begins to connect the dots of a mystery years in the making.
Leo plays Detective Carlsen, a sharp, no-nonsense investigator determined to solve the case as the family’s carefully constructed life begins to unravel.
The Knife also took home the Jury Prize at the Deauville American Film Festival, adding to its early accolades. The film was produced by Asomugha’s iAm21 Entertainment and Duplass Brothers Productions, with Asomugha, Jonathan T. Baker, and Ami Werges serving as producers. Executive producers include Mark Duplass, Mel Eslyn, Jay Duplass, Chijioke Asomugha, Akbar Gbajabiamila, and others.
The cinematography, led by Alejandro Mejia (Son of Monarchs), and editing by Dana Congdon (Sling Blade), have been praised for heightening the film’s eerie tension and emotional weight.
