Social mobility in Rian Johnson’s Knives Out (2019) film

Abstract

This research analyzes the representation of social mobility in Rian Johnson’s Knives Out (2019). The study examines how the film portrays changes in class position by applying Max Weber’s theory of social class, supported by a mimetic approach and characterization theory by Petrie and Boggs. Using qualitative analysis of selected scenes and dialogues that portray social class position and social mobility in Knives Out, the research focuses on how characters’ wealth, power, and status are depicted and transformed. The findings show that Marta Cabrera is first represented as a working-class immigrant nurse, contrasted with the wealthy and entitled Thrombey family. Her sudden upward mobility occurs when Harlan Thrombey leaves his entire estate to her, allowing her to rise instantly to the top of the social hierarchy, which is known as the upper class. The study highlights that the film represents social mobility as an immediate restructuring of class hierarchy driven by wealth, which then produces power and status.