Spoilers for Knives Out: Glass Onion ahead…
Plot Synopsis:
World renowned detective Benoit Blanc is summoned to a remote island of billionaire entrepreneur Miles Bron, where several of his friends have also gathered to take part in a staged murder mystery dinner. One of the guests in attendance is Andi, Miles’ ousted business partner. The business is now producing a violate and unbelievably powerful energy source, a pie that all of the guests have their hands in. However, things take a dark turn when one of the guests drop dead, and the suspicion is immediately cast on Andi.
It is then revealed to the audience that Andi actually died four days earlier, in an apparent suicide. Her twin sister, Helen, has been posing as Andi on the trip, to uncover what actually happened, and hired Benoit Blanc to assist. The audience learns that Andi was ousted after Miles stole her invention, and all of the guests lied to protect him.
The movie culminates in a dramatic reveal that it had been Miles himself responsible for both murders, in a desperate attempt to keep Andi’s truth about the business quiet. Helen, in a fit of rage, exposes the truth and turns all of Miles’ friends against him, before exploding his room using the very violate energy source he was getting ready to unveil. Miles’ reputation in tatters and Andi’s truth revealed, the movie closes on a calm shot of Helen and Blanc watching the police cruisers arrive.
Acting: 5 out of 5
The strongest pull of Glass Onion is the star-studded cast. From Tony and Grammy winner Leslie Odom Jr to Hugh Grant’s cameo as the detective’s boyfriend, the frequency of familiar faces kept the movie engaging. Of course, Daniel Craig portrays the Southern detective Benoit Blanc, and he gets the standout performance for this film.
I’ll also say ex-wrestler Dave Bautista’s portrayal as a men’s rights activist was extremely authentic. One may say he was born for that role…
Plot Intrigue: 3 out of 5
Glass Onion is based loosely off Agatha Christie’s great mystery novel, And Then There Were Done, and that influence ultimately harmed the film for me. Similarities include mysteries summoned to a remote island, a faked death by a gunshot and an accomplice, poisoned drinks, and the list goes on. The comparisons set a high bar that Glass Onion was not able to meet. Instead of building in tension and fear as it progressed, the movie quickly switched a heavy handed social commentary, with obvious attempts to lift the seriousness through untimely one-liners. The strong twist ending and hidden details throughout the plot redeem the intrigue category.
Ending: 4 out of 5
The ending reined in the overdone middle part of the movie. The ensemble cast realistically only sides with the truth once it benefits their own values. The ending scene of the leading lady smashing all of the expensive statues is a satisfying display of feminine rage. Of course, the Knives Out franchise ‘s staple of flashbacks were executed fairly successfully, leading to a laugh-inducing realization in the first act, and a clarity-inducing one in the last act.
Director Decisions: 2 out of 5
Truthfully, my largest issue with this film is the miscommunicated purpose. The rapid scenes decisions, curious soundtrack, and deductive monologues all promise a delicious who-dunnit-it on par with its predecessor, Knives Out. Unfortunately, however, the vast majority of the movie is taken up by character development and interpersonal conflicts. The result is a rather dull middle segment that may have been enjoyable if it hadn’t marketed itself as a murder mystery. When I finished this film, I felt like it had stretched itself in too many directions, and as a result, fell flat.
Characters: 4 out of 5
The one trope this movie executed well was the archetype format. Here’s a rundown of the sparkling ensemble:
- A wishy-washy, lobbying politician up for reelection, played by Katherine Hahn
- A mad scientist played by Leslie Odom Jr.
- A men’s rights activist and his inappropriately young girlfriend, played by Dave Bautista and Madeline Kline respectively
- A controversial sweatshop supporting fashion influencer played by Kate Hudson
The characters remain realistic to their self-serving biases and seeing them interact was a comedic delight.