Rian Johnson reignited the flame of whodunnits in Hollywood when she blessed the world in 2019 with ‘Knives Out’. It was much more than just a murder mystery, it was genius, witty, comedic purity and awfully authentic. With a 97% on rotten tomatoes Knives Out made it clear that it was a quality household name with more to come.The glass onion was no continuation from the first instead it had a completely new plot.
Billionaire businessman Miles Bron (Edward Norton) rallied together his group of friends; Clair (Kathryn Hahn), Lionel (Leslie Odom Jr.), Birdie (Kate Hudson), Duke (Bautista) and Andi (Janelle Monae) for their annual get together. The movie began with four of the five being gifted their mystery puzzle boxes, banding together over the phone and solving a few stereograms and chess. They’re met with an invitation to ‘solve my murder’. The fifth member of the group wasted no time by smashing through the box. The movie skips over to the famous Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) who’s clearly feeling the effects of the pandemic. Playing videos games against his loved ones, in the bathtub that he’s clearly set up shop in. His friends share their concern and insist that he stays strong. During this conversation we hear Blancs husband call for him, declaring that a box has arrived. Blanc later shows up on the island and greets the friends of Miles. Confused as to why Blanc was there because his invite wasn’t personal, Miles comes to realise with Blancs help that he’s in danger.
Unlike the first Knives Out death is introduced later into the movie. In Knives Out the death of crime author Harlan Thrombey set the tone. Everything revolved around his sudden inexplainable death. Where as Glass Onion was a true whodunnit within a whodunnit. The movie was centred around an invitation instead of a murder. No idea who the characters were, their relationship or why Blanc was invited. The audience were just aware of the animosity and bubbling tension between characters that were set to spend the week together.
Glass onion landed with the audience a little more because of its relatability. Set shortly after the highs of the pandemic, Johnsons adaptation of Blancs character represented the emotions of many. Feeling lost, having no purpose and watching the days pass by as work opportunities became scarce. Even down him playing ‘Among Us’ a game that grew increasingly popular across all age groups in 2020/2021. After being given the opportunity Blanc was back in his element, erratic, enthusiastic and a kid in a candy store.
Rian Johnson also showcases the lengths that an individual or specific social groups will go to to remain afloat. In order to maintain the life they or someone else has created for them they accept belittling and compromise on the things that go against their character. For some they even go as far as physically harming others.
We attempt to avoid spoilers over here however It must be mentioned that the 20 minute plot twist and flashback was the highlight of the movie. An entire act dedicated to reminding the audience what a genius Benoit Blanc truly was. A spin that hardly any viewer would have guessed, so carefully orchestrated that only when its revealed do things begin to make sense.
Glass Onion may not have been as intense as it’s prequel but it was certainly full of the right twists and turns. New characters were a breath of fresh of fresh air and weren’t overused. The audience were shown that even an intellectual like Benoit Blanc struggles and that’s okay. It was a very well executed movie with a solid screenplay.
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