GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY (2022)

Daniel Craig is superb in a sequel that takes everything that worked about the first film and ratchets up a few notches, combining nonstop humor with a clever mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Benoit Blanc (Craig) returns, this time thrust into a conundrum on an island where a group of friends have come at the behest of their billionaire friend (Ed Norton). Rian Johnson once again intricately weaves a twisty tale that expertly balances the unique talents of a diverse cast of characters. Norton shines in the role while Kate Hudson is utterly ridiculous and having a blast while playing the role. Kathryn Hahn is a steady anchor for the crew, while Janelle Monáe dazzles. But it is Craig’s world in Glass Onion and the rest are just along for the ride as the actor taps into what made him so charming in the first film and continues to peel back those layers. There truly isn’t a weak member of the cast.

Johnson has traded in the countryside for a more lavish setting here, each and every shot a beauty upon which the tale unfolds. He utilizes the tried and true formula popularized in his first film and attempts, and largely succeeds, at leaning into more complexity. It doesn’t always work, however, as even a wild whodunit can lose grip with reality, something Glass Onion sadly does in the third act. Some obvious chess pieces are not-so-covertly delivered and, once the cards are all shown, the logic isn’t as airtight as one might expect. The true success of a mystery like this is in being delivered a solution to the puzzle that doesn’t leave room for questions… of which I still have a few. Still, Johnson has found a neat niche for himself in this genre and certainly knows how to lean into the talents of his (massive) cast. Glass Onion is a fun, in-your-face follow-up that delivers the laughs while settling into a comfortable mold.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery hits select theaters on November 23rd, 2022 before debuting on Netflix on December 23rd, 2022.

Rating: 4/5