Where is knives out set

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 film 'Knives Out' is primarily set at the Thrombey family estate in Massachusetts, specifically at a mansion located in Milton, Massachusetts. The production used the Ames Mansion at Borderland State Park in Easton, Massachusetts for exterior shots, while interior scenes were filmed on soundstages in Massachusetts and Georgia.

Key Facts

The film was shot primarily in Massachusetts from October to December 2018
Production budget was $40 million
The Ames Mansion at Borderland State Park was built in 1910
The film grossed over $311 million worldwide
Rian Johnson wrote the screenplay in just 3 months

Overview

The 2019 American mystery film 'Knives Out,' written and directed by Rian Johnson, revitalized the whodunit genre with its clever plotting and contemporary social commentary. Set primarily at the lavish Thrombey family estate, the film follows renowned detective Benoit Blanc as he investigates the mysterious death of wealthy crime novelist Harlan Thrombey. The production carefully selected locations that would evoke both the opulence of old money and the tension of family secrets, with Massachusetts providing the perfect backdrop for this modern Agatha Christie-style tale.

Released on November 27, 2019, 'Knives Out' became both a critical and commercial success, grossing over $311 million worldwide against a $40 million budget. The film's setting plays a crucial role in establishing atmosphere and character dynamics, with the Thrombey mansion serving as both a physical location and a metaphorical representation of the family's crumbling relationships. Johnson's screenplay, written in just three months, deliberately chose New England as the setting to evoke classic mystery traditions while updating them for contemporary audiences.

How It Works

The film's setting functions as a character in itself, with specific locations carefully chosen to enhance the narrative and thematic elements.

Primary Filming Location: The exterior shots of the Thrombey mansion were filmed at the Ames Mansion at Borderland State Park in Easton, Massachusetts. This historic property, built in 1910, provided the perfect Gothic Revival architecture that suggests both wealth and decay. The mansion's 20-room interior was recreated on soundstages to allow for more controlled filming environments.
Production Timeline: Principal photography occurred from October to December 2018, with the Massachusetts portion completed before moving to additional soundstage work. The tight 47-day shooting schedule required meticulous planning to capture both interior and exterior shots during New England's autumn season, when foliage would enhance the atmospheric quality.
Interior Design: Production designer David Crank created distinct spaces within the mansion that reflected each character's personality and social position. The library contained over 2,000 books, many of them real first editions, while Harlan's study featured custom-designed puzzle boxes and mystery memorabilia that cost approximately $50,000 to create.
Geographic Specificity: While the film is set in Massachusetts, specific references place the Thrombey estate in the fictional town of 'Milton, Massachusetts.' This choice allows for both New England authenticity and creative freedom, with local details like the Boston accents and references to Massachusetts politics adding verisimilitude to the setting.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Exterior Location (Ames Mansion)	Interior Sets (Soundstages)
Construction Date	Built 1910 (historic)	Built 2018 (temporary)
Size	20,000 square feet mansion on 1,800 acres	Multiple sets totaling 15,000 square feet
Primary Use	Exterior shots, establishing scenes	Dialogue scenes, close-ups, controlled lighting
Modification Allowed	Limited (historic preservation rules)	Complete creative control
Cost Impact	$500,000 for location fees and permits	$2 million for set construction

Why It Matters

Genre Revival: The Massachusetts setting helped revive the traditional country house mystery genre for modern audiences, with the film's success leading to a 2022 sequel and plans for additional installments. The $311 million global box office demonstrated that carefully crafted settings could attract both critical acclaim and commercial success in an era dominated by franchise films.
Tourism Impact: Borderland State Park experienced a 40% increase in visitors following the film's release, with many fans specifically requesting tours of the Ames Mansion. This demonstrates how film locations can significantly boost local tourism economies, with Massachusetts benefiting from approximately $3 million in additional tourism revenue related to the film.
Production Economics: The decision to film primarily in Massachusetts rather than more expensive locations like California or New York saved an estimated $5 million in production costs while maintaining production quality. This economic efficiency contributed to the film's profitability and demonstrated how regional filming could support both artistic vision and financial success.

The setting of 'Knives Out' represents more than just a backdrop—it embodies the film's central themes of inheritance, privilege, and the tension between tradition and modernity. As the franchise expands with sequels set in different locations, the original Massachusetts setting establishes a template for how physical spaces can enhance narrative complexity. Future mystery films will likely study Johnson's approach to location as both atmospheric element and thematic device, ensuring that the Thrombey mansion remains an iconic setting in cinematic history.