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Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery - Movie Review

movies

By Elliot W.

- Jan 11, 2023

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is back! This time as a sequel. The new whodunnit film stars Daniel Craig as the illustrious investigator from the south, Benoit Blanc. He is once again clever, head-spinningly absurd, and entertaining.

See Also: Emily the Criminal (2022) on Netflix — Recap

Miles Bron, played by Edward Norton, is a rich tech bro who is smarter than he believes. Every year, he gathers his close-knit circle of friends—a diverse bunch of individuals who arrogantly refer to each other as "The Disruptors"—for a luxury weekend getaway.

This time, as a hint for the crime story, he has sent them all stacked puzzle boxes. He doesn't have a distinct personal style. His residence manages to be flashy and stylishly austere at the same time.

The crew is Birdie, the model-turned-influencer played by Kate Hudson. Hahn's married mother and no-nonsense politician Claire; Duke Cody. The bold men's rights YouTuber played by Dave Bautista. Whiskey's skimpily dressed girlfriend played by Madelyn Cline. And lastly, Odom's troubled scientist Lionel who receives urgent mail from Miles at all hours every day.

A surprise invitation is also extended to the vivacious and fashionable Benoit Blanc. He excitedly accepts it despite appearing to be trapped in between trials. It's great fun to watch Craig act foolishly once more.

Until Monáe's Andi Brand shows up, their reuniting is all smiles and hugs. She helped Miles establish his business empire, but she lost all goodwill. The moment she enters, the group is charged, and Blanc's antennae begin to hum. It's an advantageous setup.

With Monáe's outstanding performance, we have something solid to cling to in this business world. The cameo appearances by famous people are always hilarious. But specifically, her interaction with Craig supplies the film with the essential emotional weight and deeper significance. Additionally, Hudson's acting is more intricate than we might originally anticipate. She mixes a contagious witticism akin to her beautiful mother, Goldie Hawn.

Seeing the often likable Bautista portray such a grating character is a welcome change of pace. Craig also gives various renditions of Blanc depending on the circumstance; his technical accuracy is always outstanding.

Part of the fun is trying to outwit this convoluted plot, but it becomes a cumbersome process with time. However, "Glass Onion" is a joy to see thanks to Jenny Eagan's wonderfully original costume designs. And, the glistening visuals captured by Johnson's go-to cinematographer Steve Yedlin.

One of the biggest giggles in the movie is caused by an outfit Norton is sporting in a flashback scene. In the end, Miles' mansion's enormous glass onion serves as an all-too-apt symbol for the entire film: Sparkling but lacking.

However, Glass Onion sharply invites you to chuckle (although sourly) at these repulsive businesspeople and influencers. The previous movie targeted the seclusion-inducing ignorance of inherited money. The sequel focuses on the contemporary nouveau riche, including frantic social media gurus, rapacious politicians, and profoundly ignorant IT types.

The comic level is ten notches greater than Knives Out. The film manages to expose and critique several concerns. By the end, you wonder if there was an opportunity for some solemnity or an emotional scene. But, the humor did not leave room for such a scene.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery the sequel is now available for streaming on Netflix.

OUR RATING

7 / 10