This first film, Knives Out (2019), is a fantastic and compelling murder mystery that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. In my review, I commended Rian Johnson, the writer-director, for a spectacular film that would make Agatha Christie proud. I couldn't wait to get another piece of writer-director Rian Johnson's brilliance in the sequel, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022).
For this sequel, I had expectations such as: will it be as entertaining, brilliant and funny as the previous film? Will the plot be more intriguing? I realised the running time is more than the previous - two hours, twenty-one minutes. As it turns out, this sequel was expertly crafted to deliver a brilliant plot and spectacular performances.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery focuses on a tech billionaire, Miles Bron, and his group of friends called the Disruptors aka, the shitheads (very hilarious). In keeping with his tradition of spending time with the Disruptors once a year, he invites them via a multilayered puzzle box to his Glass Onion mansion on an island for a murder-mystery-themed weekend vacation. His murder!
But Miles Bron and the Disruptors get two unexpected guests. First, the world's greatest detective, Benoit Blanc, shows up after getting a box and an invitation. Who hired the detective to be a part of the murder mystery-themed vacation?
Second, Cassandra Brand (excellently played by Janelle Monáe), a former member of the clique who was the original brain behind Alpha, Miles Bron's online network company. She was pushed out by Miles with the support of the Disruptors and left without a dime.
Cassandra Brand's presence on the island sends the Disruptors into a defensive mood, including Miles Bron. The party begins and in no time, not one but two murders are committed amid confusion and fear. Who committed these murders? And why?
*[Source: YouTube](https://youtu.be/gj5ibYSz8C0)*Review
I'm delighted that Rian Johnson did not disappoint his audience after his impressive first release. I love that this sequel did not start straight as a murder. Instead, it begins as a fun murder-mystery game on a private island and turns into a real murder investigation.
Daniel Craig returns as the brilliant but melancholic and adventurous detective to face a group of shitheads from different walks of life with more than one secret to reveal. At the centre of this clique is betrayal.
The cast chemistry is just fantastic! It comprised a tech mogul played by Edward Norton, a betrayed tech person played by Janelle Monáe, a model-turned-fashion mogul played by Kate Hudson, a scientist played by Leslie Odom Jr., a men’s rights YouTube influencer played by Dave Bautista, and the governor of Connecticut played by Kathryn Hahn.
More screen time was given to Janelle Monáe, Daniel Craig, Edward Norton and Kate Hudson and they killed it. I was particularly impressed with Janelle Monáe. Her spectacular performance teaches viewers to be more careful when it comes to business.
A fun part of watching Rian Johnson's murder mystery is trying to outsmart the complicated plots and red herrings to figure out who the murderer is. In the previous film, I had a time knowing who the villain was. In this sequel, it was predictable and easy for me to pick out the murderer from the group of Disruptors.
The scenes and pacing of the plot were spot on, pulling you deep into each character’s backstory where you see their motives, malevolent intentions and how they are connected.
Another part I commend Rian Johnson for is the cinematography. It was excellent and well done, especially for a murder mystery. The scenes and POVs were well pieced together making it easy for viewers to follow the story. The costume design was also great giving life to the characters.
Overall, I'll say Glass Onion is a dazzling sensation. The mystery, action and drama were well-thought-out and performed. When it comes to the ending, I'll say the Knives Out was better in my opinion. Glass Onion had a more dramatic ending.
I give this sequel 4.5 stars out of 5. It's a must watch for fans of murder mysteries!
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Other images are screenshots from the movie
