Decoding Harlan's Message to Linda in Knives Out

In 2019, Knives Out, led by private detective Benoit Blanc (played by Daniel Craig), injected new energy into the murder mystery genre. The film was lauded for its intricate details, like Harlan's invisible letter to his daughter Linda (portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis). Blanc is tasked with unraveling the mystery surrounding the death of wealthy novelist Harlan Thrombery, who was believed to have died by suicide on his birthday. Throughout the story, Harlan's complex relationships with his adult children are highlighted, with a special focus on his special bond with his eldest daughter, Linda.

Despite not being the most endearing character in Knives Out, Linda's deep affection for her father is undeniable. One hidden tradition shared between them was writing letters to each other in invisible ink, only visible when the letter is heated. This secretive form of communication allowed them to share intimate thoughts discreetly. Before his death, Harlan penned one final invisible letter to Linda, which contained a significant revelation. The irony lies in the unexpected way she discovered its contents.

Knives Out is available to watch on AMC+.

What Did Harlan’s Letter To Linda Say?

Harlan Was Telling Linda About Richard's Affair

Jamie Lee Curtis smoking a cigarette with her family behind her in Knives Out. - Harlan Was Telling Linda About Richard's Affair - What Did Harlan’s Letter To Linda Say?

Harlan found out that Linda's husband, Richard, was having an affair. He gave Richard a chance to confess to Linda, or else he would reveal the truth himself. Harlan even had photographic evidence of the affair. When Richard didn't come clean, Harlan hinted that he had written a letter to Linda about the affair. In the end, Linda discovers the envelope and reads the letter on the porch.

The Reason Behind Harlan's Use of Invisible Ink

It Was A Private Custom Harlan & Linda Had Shared For Years

Harlan's Birthday in Knives Out - It Was A Private Custom Harlan & Linda Had Shared For Years - Why Harlan's Letter Was Written In Invisible Ink

Harlan and Linda had a special way of communicating with each other - they wrote notes in invisible ink. This secret code was something only the two of them shared, unknown to the rest of the family. Despite the growing tension between them, Linda cherished those letters as a sign of her strong bond with her father.

Harlan's secret code baffled others, like Richard, who thought the letters were just blank pieces of paper. After Harlan passed away, Richard found one of the letters in his office. Expecting to uncover a hidden message, he was surprised to see that the paper appeared empty. Amused, Richard chuckled at what he thought was Harlan's attempt to deceive him.

Linda Would Never Have Found The Note If It Wasn’t For Richard

Linda Returned The Baseball, Which Richard Threw Into The Garden, Back To Its Rightful Place In Harlan's Office

Richard and Linda listening to the lawyer in Knives Out - Linda Returned The Baseball, Which Richard Threw Into The Garden, Back To Its Rightful Place In Harlan's Office - Linda Would Never Have Found The Note If It Wasn’t For Richard

Ironically, Richard's affair might have remained a secret if he hadn't gone into Harlan's office. Excitedly, he tosses a baseball out of the window after seeing what appears to be a blank letter on Harlan's desk. The baseball is later discovered by Blanc outside and makes its way through different characters until it reaches Linda. After Linda returns the baseball to the office, she spots the letter on the desk. If Richard hadn't thrown the baseball, Linda wouldn't have found out about the affair.

Knives Out had an amazing cast, with each actor shining in their role. Johnson's character, Richard, was particularly sleazy. He took advantage of his in-laws' wealth and did not show Harlan the respect he deserved. Right from the start, Richard used the interrogation to gossip about the family and repeatedly got Marta's ethnicity wrong. He underestimated Linda by having an affair, thinking he could get away with it. It was fitting that Linda found out about the affair because of Richard's foolish mistake of throwing a baseball.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an intriguing analysis of Harlan's invisible letter to Linda in "Knives Out," shedding light on the hidden communication between father and daughter. The use of invisible ink symbolizes their unique bond and the secrets they shared, contrasting with the open hostility of other family members. Linda's discovery of the letter through Richard's reckless act adds a touch of irony, as the very person who wronged her unwittingly exposes the truth.

The article's attention to detail highlights the intricate storytelling in "Knives Out." The subtle clues and unexpected connections create a captivating mystery that keeps the viewer engaged. The film's success lies not only in its star-studded cast but also in its well-crafted plot and the intricate relationships between the characters. Harlan's invisible letter serves as a poignant reminder of the hidden depths and unspoken connections that often lie beneath the surface.