Glass Onion (2022) Review

RATING: 7/10

The term Glass Onion refers to the philosophy where people, including myself, have a tendency to over-analyse things, assuming the solution is more hidden than it appears to be wherein reality the most simple solution is indeed the correct one. Rian Johnson's 2019 hit, Knives Out, perfectly encapsulated this theory, but does its aptly-named sequel?

Wealthy philanthropist Miles Bron (Edward Norton) has invited his closest friends to his private isle for a night of fun and games, but unbenowknowenst to all, esteemed detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) has also been sent an invitation. And as the night progresses, it becomes more clear to the private eye that his long search for a new case has been handed to him on a glass platter.

Ever since his 2012 endeavour with Looper, Rian Johnson has remained a director continuously on my radar. His ability to create interesting stories and then completely turn them on their head could be considered controversial (especially for Star Wars fans), but for my money, his careful craftsmanship and adaptability remains unparalleled in Hollywood today. However, despite being a fan of the original Knives Out, I can't say I enjoyed the sequel as much as the original. Don't get me wrong: Glass Onion is without question an enjoyable experience, but it's enjoyment will entirely depend on your knowledge of its Glass Onion concept as its difficult to keep invested in a plot once you've determined the culprit.

But that is my only real "gripe" with the movie as the rest of Johnson's latest murder-mystery is an entertaining one. Each cast member play very similar roles in terms of being wealthy obsessives, but their differences is what makes them unique and equally interesting. Daniel Craig returns as ravishing detective Benoit Blanc in another incredible performance by the former Bond actor, managing to be as eye-grabbing as any of his prior spy appearances and even more charming to boot. Edward Norton, Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista, Kathryn Hahn and Janelle Monae also deliver wonderful performances which all work off of one another beautifully to create situations and scenarios that feel as genuine as they are ridiculous.

I wish I could say more about this grand experience, but it truly is a film that must be seen to be enjoyed as many of its high points play an integral role in its climax which felt completely earnt and gave the culprit their inevitable comeuppance. All I can say is the best thing about Glass Onion is the characters as they manage to carry, an arguably outshine, what turned out to be a predicable story. But you know what they say: the greatest mysteries are also the most obvious ones.