Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Three years after Knives Out, Rian Johnson brings Benoit Blanc back to the screen. It is lockdown and it’s driving Blanc (Daniel Craig) crazy and he is desperate for a case to distract him. It comes when he receives an invite from billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton) to join him and his friends on his private island for a murder mystery weekend. His friends are an eclectic mix of “influencers” Birdie Jay (Kate Hudson) a former model come fashion designer, Duke (Dave Bautista) a man’s rights activist, politician Claire (Kathryn Hahn) and scientist Lionel (Leslie Odom Jr.). Alongside these is Bron’s former business partner Andi (Janelle Monae). When they arrive at the island it becomes clear to Blanc that the relationships are not what they seem and the murder mystery is no game.

2019’s Knives Out was one of the best films of the year. So a second mystery featuring Craig’s smart detective was not risk free. Luckily Johnson does not let anyone down with this fun “whodunnit” romp.

While it doesn’t quite have the impact of the first, partly because of raised expectation and possibly, for most, this is Netflix only experience. That said this is a more than passible follow up.

It has a twisting turning mystery, a sharp script that zips along and a satisfyingly layered story. Most importantly it has a cast which feels like they are having a great time inhabiting their characters. Janelle Monae is excellent as the mysteries protagonist. Kate Hudson is clearly having a great time as the vacuous Birdie and Norton gets the balance right as the “at all costs” billionaire.

Of course the star is Craig’s Blanc. Poirot in a cotton suite and a southern US drawl, a role he pulls off with style and a perfect comedic light touch.

Glass Onion is a fitting Knives Out mystery. Its smart story keeps you guessing and the cast is having a great time carrying you along for the ride. Fans of the first and those new to Knives Out won’t be disappointed and will be looking forward to the third film as soon as it finishes. Just a pity it’s not in the cinema.