Taut, intimate, and morally complex, The Knife is a psychological thriller that unfolds over one harrowing night inside a single family home. Now in theaters after premiering to critical acclaim at the Tribeca Film Festival—where it won Best New Narrative Director for first-time filmmaker Nnamdi Asomugha and Best Cinematography—the film follows Chris (Asomugha), a construction worker and devoted father whose life is upended when a mysterious woman is discovered in his kitchen, unconscious and clutching a knife. Moments later, Detective Carlsen, played by Oscar winner Melissa Leo, arrives to investigate, unraveling a web of secrets as Chris, his wife Rebecca (Aja Naomi King), and their two young daughters each try to protect one another while concealing parts of the truth.
Co-written by Asomugha and Mark Duplass, and produced by iAm21 Entertainment and Duplass Brothers Productions, the film’s tension is heightened by its unique production choice: it was shot entirely overnight to capture the raw fatigue, intimacy, and unease of its characters. With a cast that also includes Manny Jacinto, Amari Price, and Aiden Price, The Knife pairs tightly wound performances with the atmospheric cinematography of Alejandro Mejia and the precision editing of Dana Congdon.
In this interview, I talk with Nnamdi Asomugha, Aja Naomi King, and Melissa Leo about what drew them to the project, the challenges and rewards of shooting exclusively at night, working with young actors on intense material, and why this film is meant to spark conversation long after the credits roll.