Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)

Director: Rian Johnson

Starring: Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista

Famed Southern detective Benoit Blanc travels to Greece for his latest case.

‘Knives Out’ had a simple setting in a big old mansion. This sequel is set on a Greek Island in a mansion that looks like it was designed for the latest James Bond movie – over the top, yet still impressive enough to be envied.

A group of people receive a mysterious puzzle box. Once solved, they find an invitation inside. These are a bunch of (unlikely) friends who have been invited by their long-time friend, Miles (Edward Norton) – now a billionaire – to his private island. His elaborate home features some of the latest technology, and is powered entirely by Klear – a fuel/energy alternative. This house is simply amazing, and a fantastic production design.

Saying too much about ‘Glass Onion’ would indeed be spoilers. And since this is such an incredible film and I don’t want to do spoilers, its best to experience the movie for yourself. The non-linear narration is the most clever non-linear storytelling I’ve seen in a while – or ever! – and it was incredible to see how it all comes together in a perfect circle. From the beginning, the dialogue is a very clever play on words, so its best to pay close attention.

‘Glass Onion’ starts off a bit weird, but it gets better and better as it progresses, and this is a mystery that will have you guessing until the reveal. All the chaos during the final act was maybe a tad too much for my liking, but this nevertheless is a very entertaining and enjoyable film. Once you see how the story turns out, you’re probably going to want to watch it again to see what you’ve missed from the beginning. Very clever indeed!

The film features a great cast, and Daniel Craig is off course back again as Detective Benoit Blanc, a character I really enjoy. I’m not sure what to make of his unusual accent, but it actually is great listening to him, and Daniel does it so well and likable.

In closing, I have to say I enjoyed ‘Knives Out’ more than ‘Glass Onion’. I enjoyed the adventure element and setting more in ‘Glass Onion’, but ‘Knives Out’ was more realistic, and also more mysterious with a better set-up. Nevertheless, the ‘Knives Out’ films will change the murder mystery genre forever, and I’m glad this is turning into a franchise.

At the moment of writing this review, ‘Glass Onion’ received 166 award nominations, already winning 52. It also received the Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay (still pending).

Unfortunately box office figures were not made available for ‘Glass Onion.

Would I watch it again? Yes.