Film Fest 919 Review: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery


The closing night film of Film Fest 919 was Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. A sequel to 2019’s smash-hit Knives Out had audiences brimming with anticipation. Being a lukewarm fan of the first, my personal expectations were relatively low. Low expectations helped to deliver my favorite theatrical experience of the year. Glass Onion follows the famous Southern detective Benoit Blanc as he has a vacation in Greece. As he is trying to get rest and relaxation, Blanc stumbles into his latest case. Divulging any more of the plot would spoil the surprises in store.

Knives Out reignited the love for the “who-dun-it” subgenre of murder mystery films. This includes broad character moments, like Ana de Armas’s character from Knives Out vomiting if she tells lies. Glass Onion takes those broad swings in both character and the story itself. Writer/Director Rian Johnson (Knives Out) has intricately crafted an exciting pandora’s box of a film. The story reveals are unfurled carefully over the 139-minute running time, letting no moment feel wasted. Clues are scattered throughout but never delivered in ways that feel like homework.  With each new clue, an exciting character and surprising twist await around the corner.

To properly convey Johnson’s words, a very capable ensemble is needed. Particularly an ensemble that can carry the screenplay’s broader twists. Daniel Craig delivers another fantastic performance as Benoit Blanc. Craig is having a large time in a role that could be cliched in the wrong hands. His role is expanded a step further from the first film with fun moments for audiences to learn more about his character. Moments like these include a look into Blanc’s home life, delivering very funny and clever surprises. Once our cast assembles at a tech Billionaires (Edward Norton) mansion, the murder mystery party takes twists and turns. 

Craig’s co-stars consist of actors Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista, Janelle Monáe, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline, and Norton. Each actor does have a moment to show off their own talents. Certain actors do have chances to have more substantive roles than others. Kate Hudson delivers a career-best performance as Birdie Jay, a supermodel turned fashion designer. Janelle Monáe shows off serious range as Cassandra “Andi” Brand, a tech entrepreneur with more to her than meets the eye. Edward Norton as Andi’s business partner Miles Bron gives one of his most entertaining performances. He leans into traits of his own public perception, delivering something clever. Blending these actors requires a very unique storyteller like Rian Johnson.

Johnson has had an interesting and varied career as a director. Films like Brick and Star Wars: The Last Jedi showcased his filmmaking talents.  While some films got a mixed reception, they all had ingenuity. Glass Onion puts all of that ability into a story that is fresh and unpredictable.  Everyone involved understands the intelligence of their audience and manages to keep them engaged. Clever details immerse viewers in a world that is worthy of the big-screen cinematic experience. 

    Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is one of 2022's most exciting films. A talented ensemble delivers consistent fun with a razor-sharp screenplay. The film is being released in December (with a limited theatrical release in November) but demands the big screen experience. There is never a missed opportunity with airtight pacing to keep the audience thrilled. Seeing the film on the big screen was a truly unique and special experience. If opening near you next month, do not wait to watch it on Netflix in December. Glass Onion is a great reminder of what the theaters are meant for,


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