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Rian Johnson is ok by me as long as he remains away from Star Wars. While not quite as good, his sequel to the immensely enjoyable Knives Out (2019) is a satisfying spell from beginning to end. In its own right, Glass Onion is a well-written, well-acted, clever mystery whodunit. It’s the perfect Holiday viewing—a movie where you can assemble the family and enjoy how it all plays out.
Johnson makes Benoit Blanc a fish out of water in this story, and all the better for it. Daniel Craig is insanely fun to watch as the character. To see someone who is usually so on top of things be thrown off by an odd set of circumstances allows Craig to display his comedic chops. However, I must say the most impressive performance overall was by Janelle Monáe in a breakout role. The depth Johnson gives that character gives her a lot to work with, and she knocks it out of the park. The talented, eclectic cast includes Dave Bautista (hilarious as a men’s rights advocate), the delightful Kathryn Hahn, Kate Hudson (given her juiciest part in years), Leslie Odom Jr, Madelyn Cline, and Edward Norton.
Rian Johnson is known for subverting genre expectations, often in exciting and clever ways. He does so here as well. The mystery does not play out as you might expect, and naturally, certain red herrings and details are kept from the audience that eventually comes back in meaningful ways. There are many clever jokes and recurring gags. Not only that, but cinematically, the film looks gorgeous and well-shot. It’s not too in your face, but it’s nice enough to where I wish I saw it on the big screen.
Glass Onion wasn’t a religious experience, but it entertainingly gets the job done. The fact that this new detective franchise is very popular with cinema audiences is also something to celebrate. I recommend going into it, knowing nothing at all about it.
I look forward to the future and the further adventures of Benoit Blanc.
