Movie Review: Glass Onion: A Knives Out (Where is the) Mystery?

After its critically acclaimed predecessor Knives Out, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery was released on Netflix on 23rd December 2022. With mixed reviews coming in from everywhere, the question was whether the film lives up to its hit predecessor. The film in our opinion does manage to engage but at the same time differs in its manner of storytelling compared to Knives out.

Another Poirotian mystery based on Agatha Christie’s manner of whodunnits, the film doesn’t have many twists and turns. Daniel Craig reprised his role as the infamous Benoit Blanc who is again invited anonymously to solve an impending murder. Unlike the typical manner of revealing a mystery, the film starts narrating and revealing in the middle itself. Though the pace picks up after that, people who derive satisfaction by the twists that usually take place in mysteries are left disappointed.

Directed by the Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson, the film does have the necessary flair and drama as shown in Poirotian mysteries. Like in the last film of a similar fashion, Death of the Nile, Glass Onion does have a similar manner of theatrics. But all the Sherlock Holmes in the audience that loves a big reveal, in the end, are left waiting for it. The film’s star-studded cast includes Kate Hudson, Edward Norton, Janelle Monae and more and a special appearance by Ethan Hawke.

The story revolves around a tech billionaire Miles Bron that invites a group of his friends to spend a relaxing weekend with him on his private Island playing a murder mystery game of his own murder. The plot centered in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, slowly reveals how every single person in the group holds a grudge against Miles but are bound to be polite because of the monetary benefits of that relationship. The story takes a turn when a murder takes place. And Benoit Blanc reveals all his cards.

Hindi film audiences might find some manners of storytelling familiar. A major critique of the film is that the first half keeps the audience waiting while giving very less to hold on to. And then the second half almost like falling dominoes reveals everything all at once. While there are things fans didn’t like about the film comparing it to its predecessor, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is a good watch. For fans of murder mystery and symbolism, the film will not make you regret it. Catch Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery on Netflix to find out yourself!