What worked so well with Knives Out is that through most of the film, it was so difficult to figure out just who the killer was and how Johnson gave morsels and crumbs of clues from the start as his character Benoit Blanc (Craig) tried to solve the case. It was a donut within a donut of murder, betrayal, chases, and dark comedy that conjured up everything great about that film. In this sequel, the elements are heightened as Benoit is back in play as he is seemingly invited to a lavish party weekend on an island hosted by a billionaire named Miles Bron (Edward Norton). The attendants are his college friends and Benoit seems the odd person out. Johnson sets up the intriguing backstory of these friends who all seem to be a Gilligan's Island assortment of characters, all of who are hugely successful in their own way with one strange connection that the screenplay plays out over time.
How the first film played out like a traditional murder mystery with a ton of original elements and fun style, this sequel flips it on its ear. Benoit has his big moment early in the movie and all bets are off when this party goes from theatrical playtime to a real murder investigation, leaving all guests torn on what to do. It's one of those Fight Club moments where the voiceover says, "Make sure your seatbelts are fastened and your tray tables are in their upright and locked positions", which is a ton of fun to watch unfold on screen. Rian Johnson just simply finds new and creative ways to tell a thrilling yarn with brilliant characters time and time again.
The cast of characters is phenomenal with Kate Hudson, Kathryn Hahn Dave Bautista, Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monae, and many more wrangling out these hilarious friends who are caught in the middle of their own pity and self-worth as they try and figure out what is happening in front of them. There are a lot of hard truths to face as Johnson uses the current political and social climate in a satirical way regarding social media and the tech world. And true to form, there are a lot of laughs to be had here.
Catch Glass Onion In Theaters For A Limited Time Wednesday November 23rd through Tuesday November 29th
Glass Onion Premieres on Netflix December 23rd
Everyone turns in amazing performances that are all memorable and quotable that only adding to the entertainment value of each scene. But it's Daniel Craig who has finely tuned this character that everyone will be wanting a dozen more films with this man. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is even better than the first film in that is not afraid to make fun of itself and cross over into a meta storyline where the characters are mentioning other's films and projects both visually and narratively. If this is the track for the next movie, everyone is in luck. Highly Recommended!
