This might just be the hardest review I’ve ever had to write. There are no spoilers whatsoever within, for the intriguing and intense mystery that is Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.
In the follow up to Rian Johnson‘s Knives Out, Detective Benoit Blanc travels to Greece to peel back the layers of a mystery involving a new cast of disruptors who find themselves in the middle of a murder.
Glass Onion is completely different in many ways when compared to its predecessor but is just as good too. The ultimate crowd-pleaser, and one that demands to be seen with an audience! I really think it is worth making a trip to the cinema to watch when it receives its limited release next month.
For more on this franchise, see our Wake Up Dead Man review.
The Ensemble of ‘Glass Onion’
Just like Knives Out, Glass Onion prides itself with a wonderful assortment of actors put together. All of the characters have many layers (as expected) and there is something about the chemistry that is so unmatched in this film.
I would like to see Daniel Craig in the role of Benoit Blanc forever, I think he is immense. Blanc is such a unique and charismatic character that is so fun to watch on-screen. It is clear to see how much he loves playing Det. Blanc, and I love watching him! One of the greatest actors among us, when watching this film. Daniel Craig could play Hercule Poirot, but I know for a fact that Kenneth Brannagh couldn’t play Benoit Blanc.
Edward Norton‘s character Miles Bron is incredibly interesting. It is clear to see that Johnson has based the character on many of the world’s tech giants and it is hilarious. There’s the odd Elon Musk nod here and there, and he even gets to rock Steve Job’s iconic look at one point too.
Janelle Monáe absolutely kills it as Cassandra “Andi” Brand, a tech entrepreneur and Miles’s ex-business partner. Andi’s presence on the murder mystery getaway is an intriguing one, and it is great to see just how well she works on screen with some of the rest of the cast. Janelle steals the show and is worthy of all the praise following this film’s release.
Other notable performances include Kate Hudson‘s Birdie Jay who has some impeccably timed reactions throughout the film’s runtime, one of my favourites. I will say too that I feel like Jessica Henwick, who plays Birdie’s assistant is massively underused in this film, there are so many scenes where should could be doing so much more.
I could go on forever about the rest of the cast, but I would be here for hours. Just now that the more intimate casting compared to Knives Out’s family heavy casting is very refreshing. I can’t wait to find out who is in the next one already…
Comparisons To ‘Knives Out’
I think I laughed more watching this film, it is such a funny film. People will have set such high expectations for Glass Onion, and I really think it is a worthy sequel to the first one.
I was worried going into this film that it would play out incredibly similar to Knives Out, but I can’t tell you the shock on my face when certain events began unfolding. Nothing can prepare you for what comes during Glass Onion – it really makes it such a fun experience. The elaborate murder mystery party feels very fresh and helps the film stand out on its own.
I would say not to compare both films because of just how good both are, to be honest. But everyone is contrary to comparison.
Rian Johnson is an incredible writer. There is no doubt about it. There is never a moment in either film where the film is paced too fast or too slow, and I think it is an incredibly rewarding watch both times. I know for a fact that the threequel will be impressive too.
I appreciate Netflix’s marketing for the film too, I think they have really hid what is hidden within the layers of this Glass Onion really well…
Other Praises
Costume Designer Jenny Eagan and Production Designer Rick Heinrichs’ work on this film is nothing short of fantastic. Both help give the film its extraordinary visual identity and really adds to the experience. Every character is understood by their wardrobe throughout the film and some of the sets are just stunning. So many little details are hidden within the well-dressed set and I can’t wait to watch again to spot anything I missed the first time around.
Something I was shocked by, was the amount of celebrity cameos during the film. Without spoiling them, there are some interesting ones, for sure.
‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ Review – Final Thoughts
An immense and thrilling mystery, can’t clarify enough but go in expecting the unexpected. A huge crowd-pleaser, lots of laughs guaranteed! Janelle Monáe absolutely kills it, and Daniel Craig is perfect once again as Benoit Blanc. A truly fantastic film, can’t wait to watch it again. It really does keep you on your toes and has you guessing till the very last moments…
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is now streaming on Netflix in the UK. Check out a trailer below:
