What Is the Story About?
‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’, the Netflix sequel to the hugely successful ‘Knives Out’, centres on a billionaire tech tycoon Miles Bron (Edward Norton), who invites his close clique of friends to his lavish private island for a weekend of fun and solving a ‘murder mystery’. Joining the bunch at the island is the world’s best detective, Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), whose services come in handy when a real murder takes place on the luscious island.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is written and directed by Rian Johnson, and produced by Johnson and Ram Bergman.
Performances?
‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ has brilliant performances from an excellent ensemble cast. The choice of actors for the motley crew of characters is a huge plus in favour of the movie, and the impact it leaves on the viewer. Edward Norton fits the role of the pompous, names-dropping tech tycoon to the T. Janelle Monáe is the pick of the lot in the performances department – she oozes panache, and is simply terrific.
Daniel Craig, of course, has again delivered a stellar performance as the goofy Frenchman cum detective, Benoit Blanc. Given the man’s enormous talent, it’s a role he can pull off in his sleep. From the rest of the cast, Kate Hudson is a riot as the model-turned-influencer turned entrepreneur, Birdie Jay. Leslie Odom Jr and Kathryn Hahn deserved better-written roles than the poorly-etched-out ones handed to them.
Analysis
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is the classic case of a lavish, extravagant exterior covering up for the bare-bones interior. The mantra of the makers seems to be to blind the viewer with the showy flashiness of the glittering ensemble cast, the sumptuous production design, the witty dialogue and the rich production values of the movie, such that the distinctly underwhelming plot melts into the darkness that exists beyond the dazzle of the visible flamboyance.
For that’s what it is.
The murder mystery at the heart of Glass Onion takes second place, behind the glamour and glitz of the movie itself. One can guess the murderer from a mile away. Granted, the first part of the murder sequence is enigmatic and intriguing. But as the plot is revealed further, the mystery of it all dissolves into thin air. The final reveal has none of the pizzazz and panache of the first ‘Knives Out’ movie. The success of the first film encouraged the stakeholders to up the ante and spend lavishly on Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, which is a pity really. For, this installment of the franchise is definitely bigger, but certainly not better.
The dialogues in the film are witty and clever; but in the end, they amount to nothing. The myriad characters are an eyeful; but again, they barely draw much interest from the viewer. The names-dropping is fun. But unlike the first Knives Out film, at no point in Glass Onion does one find oneself immersed or invested in the murder/s unfolding on screen.
The cast is splendid, as intended. And of course, it’s a hoot to model Edward Norton’s snooty tech billionaire on a certain Elon Musk. Dave Bautista’s beefy, men’s-rights YouTuber Duke is funny too. The sets are fantastic; the pace is blistering, except for a short time around the middle of the film; and Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc is a delight to watch.
But…..where’s the compelling, riveting, gripping plot?
All said and done, Netflix’s ‘Glass Onion’ is all style and no substance, and much ado about nothing. Watch the film, definitely, for its lavish presentation. But don’t expect another ‘Knives Out’.
Music and Other Departments?
Rick Heinrichs’ production design is the highlight of Glass Onion. It is legit treat for the eyes – sumptuous and beauteous. Nathan Johnson’s music for the film builds the mysterious and enigmatic notes perfectly. Steve Yedlin’s cinematography is superb, enhancing the storytelling by several notches. Bob Ducsay’s editing is flawless.
Highlights?
Performances
Top-Notch Production Design
Superb Ensemble Cast
Witty Dialogue, Clever Names-Dropping
Drawbacks?
Underwhelming Plot
Did I Enjoy It?
Not as Much as I had Hoped to
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, As a One-Time Watch
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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