
Knox Goes Away follows an aging contract killer diagnosed with rapidly progressing dementia. When a chance to protect his estranged son emerges, he must outmaneuver the police while confronting the limits of his deteriorating memory. Michael Keaton directs and stars in this 2024 American crime thriller.
Knox Goes Away is a 2024 action crime drama thriller directed by and starring Michael Keaton. The film centers on John Knox, a contract killer facing a fast-moving form of dementia and one urgent chance to change the course of his life.
Released on March 15, 2024, the 1-hour-55-minute film combines a police investigation with a fractured family story. Its premise places John under pressure from both the authorities and the steady loss of his cognitive abilities.
Knox Goes Away movie details
| Title | Knox Goes Away |
|---|---|
| Release date | |
| Runtime | 1h 55m |
| Genres | Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller |
| Director | Michael Keaton |
| Writer | Gregory Poirier |
| Country | United States of America |
| Languages | English, French |
| Status | Released |
| TMDB rating | 7.0/10 from 517 votes |
Story without spoilers
John Knox is a professional contract killer whose life changes after he is diagnosed with a rapidly progressing form of dementia. The diagnosis gives him limited time to act while his memory and judgment continue to deteriorate.
When John is offered an opportunity to save his estranged adult son, he takes on a mission that carries personal as well as criminal stakes. He must work around a police investigation that is closing in on him, while trying to stay ahead of the effects of his illness. The story also involves strained family ties, broken trust and the difficult possibility of redemption.

What to expect
The film is built around a crime-thriller setup shaped by cognitive decline rather than a conventional professional assignment. Viewers can expect an aging hitman, an active police investigation and a high-pressure race against time.
Its dramatic focus comes from the conflict between John’s criminal past and his attempt to protect his son. The supplied premise also points to family tension, memory deterioration and the consequences of a life that may be reaching its inevitable downfall.
Cast and creative team
Michael Keaton plays John Knox and also directs the film. Al Pacino appears as Xavier Crane, with Marcia Gay Harden as Ruby Knox and James Marsden as Miles Knox. The cast includes Suzy Nakamura as Detective Emily Ikari, Joanna Kulig as Annie, Ray McKinnon as Thomas Muncie, John Hoogenakker as Detective Rale, Lela Loren as Cheryl Knox and Morgan Bastin as Kaylee Knox.
The screenplay is by Gregory Poirier. Keaton’s dual role as director and lead performer places the central character at the heart of the production, while the supporting cast includes family members, investigators and figures connected to John’s criminal world.
- Michael Keaton as John Knox
- Al Pacino as Xavier Crane
- Marcia Gay Harden as Ruby Knox
- James Marsden as Miles Knox
- Suzy Nakamura as Detective Emily Ikari
- Joanna Kulig as Annie
- Ray McKinnon as Thomas Muncie
- John Hoogenakker as Detective Rale
- Lela Loren as Cheryl Knox
- Morgan Bastin as Kaylee Knox
Release and production context
Knox Goes Away was released on March 15, 2024, and is listed as a released film. It runs for 1 hour and 55 minutes. The production is from the United States of America, with spoken languages including English and French.
The production companies are Brookstreet Pictures, TPC, Sugar23 and FilmNation Entertainment. The film is classified as an action, crime, drama and thriller title.
Production companies: Brookstreet Pictures, TPC, Sugar23, FilmNation Entertainment
Reported production figures:
Revenue $963,703
Knox Goes Away official trailer
Movies Dock view
Knox Goes Away offers a tightly defined premise: a contract killer with rapidly worsening dementia must attempt to protect his estranged son while police pressure intensifies. Its combination of crime elements, family conflict and cognitive decline gives the film a personal dimension alongside its suspense framework.
Frequently asked questions
What is Knox Goes Away about?
It follows John Knox, a contract killer diagnosed with fast-moving dementia, as he tries to save his estranged adult son while police close in.
Who directed Knox Goes Away?
Michael Keaton directed the film.
Who stars in Knox Goes Away?
Michael Keaton stars as John Knox. The cast also includes Al Pacino, Marcia Gay Harden, James Marsden, Suzy Nakamura and Joanna Kulig.
When was Knox Goes Away released?
Knox Goes Away was released on March 15, 2024.
How long is Knox Goes Away?
The runtime is 1 hour and 55 minutes.















