Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery Review – Rian Johnson Manages to Hit It Out of the Park Again

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery streams on Netflix on December 23, 2022.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is the sequel to Rian Johnson’s 2019 hit, Knives Out. The film was universally acclaimed, and it’s hard to top something so good with a sequel. But it seems like Johnson has managed to make the second film better than the prequel, even though the first film itself was great.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is a very enjoyable and intricate murder-mystery that sees the return of Daniel Craig as the legendary and beloved detective Benoit Blanc. Much like the first film where audiences already knew the identity of the killer by the second half of the story, Glass Onion also follows a similar structure. But Johnson still keeps it interesting and fresh enough for it to not feel stale.

The setting of the film is a luxurious and high-tech private estate on a Greek island. A group of friends have come together for their annual reunion at the invitation of their billionaire friend Miles Bron (Edward Norton). As is often the case in murder mysteries, when a murder takes place, everyone present becomes a suspect.

Miles is a wealthy tech executive who has achieved immense success through his involvement in online platform Alpha. Miles invites his friends who he calls “disruptors” to his private island, where a giant domed building known as the Glass Onion serves as the setting for a murder-mystery themed dinner party. Among the guests are Connecticut governor Claire Debella (Kathryn Hahn), fashion designer and former model Birdie Jay (Kate Hudson), her diligent assistant Peg (Jessica Henwick), men’s rights influencer Duke Cody (Dave Bautista) and his girlfriend and manager Whiskey (Madelyn Cline). The guest-list also includes scientist Lionel Toussaint (Leslie Odom Jr.), and Mile’s former business partner Cassandra Brand (Janelle Monáe), who was originally the brain behind Alpha. Miles betrayed her, kicked her from the company, and left nothing for her in terms of financial compensation. The tension between Miles and Cassandra is palpable as they come face to face at the party after years, adding an extra layer of drama to the already suspenseful atmosphere.

This is where Benoit Blanc comes in, who is clearly the odd one out in the group. He is renowned as a detective, sure, and everyone from the friend group assumes that Miles invited him. However, Miles never sent the invitation to anyone outside the friend group. Despite this, the billionaire lets him stay and join in the party’s murder-mystery theme.

Miles is initially entertained by the idea that one of his friends invited a famous detective to his theme party to play a prank on him, but the situation quickly becomes more serious when a real murder takes place. As the guests panic and try to unravel the mystery of the killer’s identity and motive, they turn to Blanc for help in solving the case. With his exceptional detective skills and ability to uncover the truth, Blanc sets out to bring the guilty party to justice.

Throughout its runtime, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery keeps the enjoyment up by constantly delivering entertainment via its writing and performances. Fans can also expect several cameos throughout the film. Craig is brilliant as ever with his Southern accent, as well as adding a touch of humour and adorableness to the character. Monáe’s performance gradually gets better as her character fleshes out throughout the second half. At the same time, the writing gives ample time for the rest of the characters to shine.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is a film that delivers a blend of mystery and charm. It even surpasses expectations as a sequel. The film’s plot and diverse cast of characters, led by Craig’s memorable performance as Benoit Blanc, are a joy to watch. Johnson’s writing and direction is sharp and funny, and I am looking forward to more from the filmmaker.