Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery was one of the most highly anticipated films making its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival 2022. Its predecessor Knives Out became a runaway critical and commercial hit upon its release in 2019, so when a sequel was greenlit shortly thereafter in early 2020, all eyes were on director Rian Johnson to create another engrossing murder mystery. Indeed, Knives Out was a successful execution of the classic whodunit story, a generally crowd-pleasing film that delivered on its narrative sleight-of-hand and featured an ensemble of the most exciting actors in Hollywood today.
In addition to Johnson returning as writer and director, Daniel Craig also reprises his role as Benoit Blanc in Glass Onion. This time, the famed detective's case takes him to a private Greek Island owned by tech billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton). Like Knives Out, Glass Onion boasts its own ensemble cast of phenomenal actors, all playing distinct characters with their own secrets, motives, and oddities. Alongside Norton, Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline, Kate Hudson, and Dave Bautista make up this new group of characters that Benoit must contend with as, naturally, someone turns up dead.
Utilizing everything that made Knives Out a hit, Glass Onion essentially turns it up a notch: the characters are more complex, the stakes are higher, and we get a deeper look at Benoit. More than being an airtight murder mystery, of course, Johnson's story this time around effectively tugs on the strands of the genre, unravels its tradition and retools it to show that, just like life, death — even in murder — is rarely ever straightforward. The result is a craftier, twistier, and more riotous sequel that exceeds expectations and will surely excite fans of the original.
Daniel Craig and Janelle Monáe are Standouts in an Incredible Cast
With such a star-studded cast, it's no surprise Glass Onion features an array of incredible performances. In fact, it's arguably one of the best ensemble casts in any movie you'll see this year. Even more impressive is the fact that each character gets their moment to stand out. Norton is perfect as Miles, nailing the tightrope walk of playing a man on a grand mission who's also self-aggrandizing. Hahn, as always, is sublime as Claire, a governor running for senate. Hudson and Henwick provide much of the film's levity as Birdie and Peg, respectively, a model turned designer and her overworked assistant. Odom Jr. proves his comedic chops as scientist Lionel, and Cline and Bautista have palpable chemistry as YouTube stars Whiskey and Duke.
Craig, of course, turns in what is undeniably one of the best performances of his career as Benoit Blanc, bringing back that Southern charm that won everyone over in Knives Out, while also showing us other sides of his character that will only further enamor audiences (which is good news considering Johnson has, per NME, recently expressed an interest in producing more sequels). The ultimate standout, however, is Monáe as Cassandra Brand, Miles' ex-business partner. Glass Onion really belongs to her, and, as Variety predicts, this could be the start of a long awards season for the actress. Monáe has already proven her talents in films like Hidden Figures and Antebellum, but Glass Onion is a true showcase of what she can do.
Special commendations should also definitely be paid to production designer Rick Heinrichs and cinematographer Steve Yedlin, whose work together puts forth an awe-inspiring and luxurious Greek getaway without neglecting the high-drama of a murder mystery. To that effect, editor Bob Ducsay is key to Glass Onion's success as an exciting thriller. Even Nathan Johnson's sweeping score amplifies the stakes that are at play.
Just like his character, Johnson has many surprising twists, tricks, and secrets up his sleeve in Glass Onion that we won't talk about because, firstly, he specifically asked us not to, and, secondly, they need to be experienced first-hand. Because, ultimately, that's what Glass Onion is: a truly theatrical experience that will make you laugh, gasp, cheer, and remember how exciting cinema can be. Glass Onion is a fitting addition to TIFF's line-up this year, especially with it being the festival's first full, in-person return after COVID-19 disrupted 2020's festival and severely limited last year's. More than that, it's a worthy sequel — Johnson, when it comes to the Knives Out franchise, is two for two.