Penelope (played flawlessly by Ana de Armas) holds a captivating ambiguity through several phases of the Netflix smash hit “Knives Out.” There’s the polished daughter persona playing it perfectly straight, expertly fielding inquiries while strategically withholding key information. Later stages reveal vulnerability and underlying motivations that leave us wondering… about whether Penelope has eyes just below the surface for detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig in full enigmatic flair).
While romantic fireworks aren’t an immediate explosion on screen, their scenes possess this strange quiet tension. Blanc sees through Penelope’s carefully constructed facade, prompting genuine interactions that transcend the usual case interrogative dances. He gently provokes her in a way rarely encountered among typical whodunnit suspects and investigators, teasing out vulnerabilities while avoiding outright threats.
And Penelope responds… oddly well for someone under interrogation. There’s quick wit backpedalling, flirty eye contact (notice how those moments linger just a bit longer), and moments when one almost senses an urge to divulge something beyond the mandated clues. It feels like there’s chemistry simmering beneath the surface, potentially igniting if context ever permitted it.
That, however, forms a core layer of ‘Knife Out’s brilliance. It refuses absolute closure. The ending doesn’t explicitly solidify or deny romantic potential because…that makes for less satisfying fiction that demands tidy packages, right? Ultimately, they are two immensely competent individuals playing their roles amidst chaos.
Are there embers of attraction there? Absolutely! Do these burn fiercely towards an established romance during the film’s timeline? Highly unlikely given circumstances and their respective roles. The joy comes not in getting a hard ‘yes’ or ‘no’, but in how they subtly interact – like a couple of incredibly smart players recognizing potential on the game board, knowing they aren’t allowed to make it anything more immediately, not when millions of lives quite possibly hang in the balance.
