‘GLASS ONION’ IS SEQUEL THAT STILL DOESN’T IMPRESS
Featuring the return of a new mystery detective with a whole new group of suspects to vet, Glass Onion, Netflix’s sequel flick to Knives Out, still doesn’t impress.
Glass Onion (2023) Film Review
If there’s one thing the mysterious and extremely wealthy Miles (Edward Norton) takes odd pleasure in, it’s sending his friends, or rather those who rely on his influence, puzzles. This time around it’s an invitation. There’s the insecure Birdie Jay (Kate Hudson) who was once a top model and has a thing for Miles. Then there is Duke (Dave Barista) and his girlfriend Whiskey (Madelyn Cline), two people looking for more influence to make their TikTok presences skyrocket. Brilliant and trying to garner funds for his inventions, there is Lionel (Leslie Odom Jr.) and Claire Debella (Kathryn Hahn), a busy mom and politician. The greatest surprise in this little party is Andi Brand (Janelle Monáe), Miles former business partner, and a woman he just won a lawsuit against.
Into this group, the one unexpected invitation goes to renowned detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig). An invitation that even host Miles doesn’t seem to be aware of, but bored and needing a case, Benoit is determined to make the most of this surprising turn of events.
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Glass Onion is the sequel to the film Knives Out, the only thing that connects these films is Craig’s Benoit. Otherwise the case and characters are all new and lead us into a different mystery. Much as I want to love these movies, I just don’t. They practically scream my name and have all the elements I would adore. The movies kind of play out as a modern Hercule Poirot, and while the recent Kenneth Branagh adaptations of the Poirot character aren’t necessarily better, at least with those I get two things beyond a brilliant cast. There’s pretty costumes and I’m transported into an era long past.
This sequel is far crazier than the first film, which fits with the script and the group of characters. However the cast is really good and as someone who thoroughly enjoys the 2000 romantic-comedies with Kate Hudson seeing her in something again is quite fun. Everyone is good for these roles though and Monae turns in a great performance. It has some layers and her big end scene is crazy, but well done, too.
If you did like Knives Out, I’m guessing you’ll enjoy Glass Onion. I think I saw comments back when this was new that this sequel was better. So for anyone who likes mysteries, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this. There’s some laughs and the film moves along at a solidly rapid pace. With a third flick filming, there’s already news of another adventure for Benoit Blanc, which means you’ll be adventuring with this character again soon.
You can stream Glass Onion on Netflix
Photos: Netflix
Content: the film has some sexual innuendo and we see people making out, one couple is half naked and making out while a woman straddles a man lying down. There is an implication that a man lives with another man (and presumably is in a relationship with him). There is some profanity including the use of shit. The film is PG-13.
