Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery Review: A Sequel That Shatters Expectations

Disclaimer: This early review is from the TIFF world premiere of Glass Onion. It will not discuss spoilers to ensure everyone experiences the film as intended.

Well, I do declare Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery a triumph.

This latest mystery from the mind of Rian Johnson isn’t just tolerable; it’s downright diabolical. Glass Onion, the sequel no one wanted to humor, cements itself alongside Knives Out as a worthy adversary with mass appeal.

So check your concerns at the door because this masterpiece will have us all eating metaphorical shit soon enough.

Topping such a mystery would be daunting for any sequel, but Glass Onion isn’t concerned with crafting another unsolvable case. The project is aware bigger and bolder is not better — because a pissing contest isn’t entertainment.

So this sequel isn’t about outsmarting the audience. It’s about making a movie the audience will enjoy.

Its all-star cast delivers a riveting spectacle as archetypes we don’t typically get to see them play in their respected wheelhouse. Breaking the mold of typecasting is what makes this character study enjoyable.

To be picky is to ask more of this script when fleshing out its ensemble. This dysfunctional group often feels like pawns waiting for the big reveal. But Glass Onion isn’t the sentimental type, which affords it carlessness in the character department.

The film bottles the thrilling theatrical experience of Knives Out for streaming with a sprawling plot and applause-worthy structuring. And, unlike the metaphorical glass onion, there is depth among these shallow suspects.

A Killer Sense of Humor

Glass Onion‘s dark sense of humor is the real killer. It plays to the crowd, often alluding to a plot twist, only to reveal a punchline instead.

This thriller finds joy in framing its upperclassmen as insufferable idiots. If anything, distancing from Drysdale’s sophisticated academia affords this outing the courage to be as disillusioned as it sees fit.

But do not mistake fun for foolishness. This breezy island nightmare is no amateur just because it embraces its comedic chops. The world of Knives Out is never a straight line; it’s a rollercoaster.

This follow-up has more fun but plunges its dagger deep, unearthing a plot with sharp teeth and a stabbing humility. The swift, slicing jokes are tantalizing and delivered exquisitely by this ensemble of heavyweights.

The result is a gut-clutching gambit that welcomes the audience to interact with it.

The Last Gentleman Sleuth

We tend to let Ransom’s sweaters eclipse the greatest weapon at Knives Out‘s disposal — silly but shrewd Benoit Blanc.

The first film paints him as an all-knowing sleuth and gentleman vessel for Ana de Armas’ best work. However, when one does away with the cannon fodder of New England folklore, they are left to stare into the eye of the storm, and it is magnificent.

Left to his own devices, Daniel Craig utilizes the island’s isolation to reestablish why they call Blanc the last gentleman sleuth. One particular twist sees him chew the entire premise to pieces in one sweeping, Oscar-worthy monologue.

It seems impossible to underestimate James Bond, but with the last shreds of his stiff suaveness stripped away, there’s no telling how far he will go into the madness.

There is only Craig at the center of the donut hole to answer for this continuation. But, as Glass Onion (and a ridiculous swimsuit) confirms, he is willing to be the comedic heavyweight that convinces fans there is life to be lived outside of the Drysdale mansion.

Oh, and Blanc’s love interest? You’re not ready for that plot twist.

Our Leading Lady

In a time when we are questioning the validity of singers taking up space in film, Janelle Monáe leaves nothing behind to scrutinize.

Her killer performance is victimless. Her ability to play both sides of the coin convincingly gives this film’s hidden agenda purpose, and her ability to chug kombucha with conviction is a sight to see. She stands to steal all the scenes in a sea of household names.

She is the driving force behind this thriller. Physical comedy, action, accents — the woman does it all!

And in an industry peddling female-forward storytelling, it compels me that these Knives Out Mysteries are so quiet about their triumphs in the matter.

It is certainly not a mistake that both films rely on a strong female as the linchpin. This pattern suggests Blanc was never the intended star of this saga but a diversion for actresses like Monáe and de Armas to showcase their power.

Who Dunn It?

Since this is a Knives Out Mystery, you are no doubt wracking your brain to guess who the killer is.

Glass Onions knows this and openly encourages it. That’s because the investigation is strong enough to withstand scrutiny and will do a lovely job convincing you that you are wrong at every turn (even when you are not).

This layered onion of intrigue rewards those that enjoy an elaborate mind game. If you have studied the tricks of the first film, this second outing will reveal the killer to you early on — if only to toy with you further.

And just like Knives Out, the twist is baked into the dialogue from the jump. But good luck catching anything through these amusing smokescreens.

Any Last Words?

As a familiar last word settles on an awestruck audience, you realize Glass Onion is a near-perfect homage to the film that fought its own franchising.

This delightful sequel is proof that while the magic of watching your favorite film for the first time is gone, the chance to relive it is still very much alive through equally great retellings.

In a wholesome twist, this sequel is just as unique and fun as its predecessor. With that, the Knives Out Mysteries are now a donut hole of endless possibilities thanks to this crowd-pleaser.

It’s safe to say the world isn’t ready for Glass Onion to bring the ceiling down.

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How excited are you for Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

And be sure to check out the cast’s exclusive Q&A from the TIFF world premiere right here!

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Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery premieres Friday, December 23, on Netflix.

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TIFF 2022: A Q&A with the Cast of ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’