“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” Movie Review
It takes layers to peel back the story of “Glass Onion,” the newest movie in the Knives Out franchise, directed by Rian Johnson.
Daniel Craig reprises his role as the detective Benoit Blanc, a smooth-talking Southern sleuth out to solve a fake and real murder in the movie. Billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton) invites his closest friends and allies to an exclusive getaway on his private island to solve a game involving his “murder,” but the real mystery is revealed shortly after.
The Disruptors, as they call themselves, are an eclectic bunch that don’t have a lot in common except for their inherent need for Miles. Clare (Kathryn Hahn) is a governor whose campaign was funded by Miles, Lionel (Leslie Odom Jr.) is Miles’s head scientist, Birdie (Kate Hudson) is a politically-incorrect designer saved by Miles and Duke (Dave Bautista) is a streamer funded by Bron as well.
Andi (Janelle Monae), Miles’s former business partner, joins the crew as part of the getaway, and tensions begin to grow after a rocky legal pursuit that left Andi out of her and Miles’s joint billionaire company.
After Blanc solves Miles’s game prematurely, the crew passes the time drinking and having fun until one of the members suddenly dies. Blanc asks to call the police as procedure but does not grow concerned until another murder is shown and orders the crew on lockdown until he solves a double homicide.
The film starts by introducing the characters and going into the weekend getaway, but halfway through the film, stops and flashes back to why Blanc is really on the island. This way, viewers felt more at peace with the characters and could try to solve the murder along with Blanc.
Since “Glass Onion” takes place in 2020, viewers can also relive their best COVID-19 lockdown memories, including Zoom calls, masks, disinfectant and pop culture trends like Among Us.
“Glass Onion” picked up right where Knives Out left off in terms of an instant cult classic. Though there was no “Chris Evans sweater” moment, the quick cuts, slow-motion scenes and literal onion made of glass made for yet another addition to the eccentric growing franchise.
“Glass Onion” is currently streaming on Netflix.
Rating: 4.5/5
SPOILERS:
Viewers might have been stunned when Blanc bumps into Andi during the blackout and exclaims “Helen,” but it all comes together in Knives Out fashion. The plot twist of Monae playing Andi’s twin sister, Helen, was an excellent move and was able to create a double homicide in the movie. Thus, Blanc’s purpose on the island is truly solidified, and he works as a double-agent.
The end scene where Helen and The Disruptors set Miles’s display room ablaze was phenomenal visually and a great portrayal of female rage, which has become more popular in film. However, at some point, some viewers might have gotten tired of various people setting various objects on fire UNTIL Helen ruins Mile’s life’s work.
Adrianna Gallucci is a first-year student majoring in journalism. To contact her, please email amg7989@psu.edu.
