Movie Reviews

[Fantasia ’21] ‘King Knight’ review: Wild comedy keeps the laughs coming

Is it midsummer, yet?

August 9, 2021

King Knight is an outrageous comedy making its world premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival. The movie is about the high priest of a coven of witches named Thorn Adams (Matthew Gray Gubler). When his wife Willow (Angela Sarafyan) discovers his dark secret he must confront his past. Along the way, he risks losing his friends, tests the strength of his relationship, and must reevaluate his entire life.

It is very subtle, but before long, it becomes noticeable that the film is playing things straight. King Knight does not have the traditional set up, punch line, wait for laughter delivery. It also eschews the quick fire wit that is sometimes seen. Instead, King Knight makes the interesting decision to take things at a normal pace. Yes, there are witty comments, but these are delivered as they would be in real life. The characters in the movie are simply people talking to each other. The jokes pop up in natural conversation.

This makes each joke unexpected as the audience never knows where the next one is coming from. This has the added effect of making each laugh more genuine. Sometimes, it is tell what is meant for comedy and what is just a comment that happens to be funny. The downside is that this may confuse some audiences. The best way to describe the tone of King Knight is “wacky” which will turn some off.

[Fantasia '21] 'King Knight' review: Wild comedy keeps the laughs coming

Those who stick around will be in for a treat. Along with the easy flowing dialogue, the film is filled with oddball moments. A trip to a public bathroom leads to one of the best understated visual jokes of the year. King Knight also includes a psychedelic detour that comes out of nowhere but works perfectly. Things remain light and breezy but nothing ever seems unimportant.

The iconic Barbara Crampton makes an appearance in a role she is not normally seen. Calling her a villain would not be entirely correct, but she is less sympathetic than usual. Her appearance also highlights what may be the main theme of King Knight. As crazy as the movie can get, it is about family and togetherness.