Year of Release: 2022
Director: Rian Johnson
Starring: Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Janelle Monae, Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline, Noah Segan, Jackie Hoffman, Dallas Roberts, Ethan Hawke, Hugh Grant, Natasha Lyonne, Stephen Sondheim, Serena Williams
Genre: Comedy, Crime
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 8
Watch it on Amazon
Synopsis and Review
Following the critical and commercial success of "Knives Out", writer/producer/director Rian Johnson entered into an agreement with Netflix to continue the adventures of detective Benoit Blanc. "Glass Onion" is the first of the series, and while it definitely has a vibe akin to Sidney Lumet's "Murder on the Orient Express", it is definitely a farcical film that stands on its own, and is very much a representation of what our society is currently focused on. The film focuses on a series of characters, all of which have been friends for a while, and who come together in Greece under the generous guidance of their host, the billionaire Miles Bron. Miles is about to launch a new venture, but wants for the group to get together to celebrate his birthday with a murder mystery he has paid others to elaborately devise. Benoit Blanc comes along even though it is soon revealed his invitation was a mistake. Much to everyone's surprise, Andi Brand is also in attendance. She was Miles' prior partner, whom he managed to axe from the conglomerate in a highly visible corporate showdown. As the weekend continues, and as Benoit quickly dispels the outcome of the mystery, the true reasons for everyone's attendance soon reveal themselves. And not everyone is who they seem to be, including the moronic, unscrupulous Miles.
One of the best things about "Glass Onion" is the fact that it doesn't take itself too seriously. At all. It's also a film that takes the pulse of what is taking place in society, perfectly capturing in the process the sense of superficiality which permeates the lives of every single character on display (even to a certain extent of Benoit Blanc's sheltered and pampered existence). The film plays with somewhat modern character archetypes, which turns out, are not so modern after all, remembering many of Agatha Christie's Poirot centric novels. Every character surrounding Miles has both a personal investment in him and is also controlled by him in a less than reputable way (ie, they all stand to lose something if he decides to spill the beans). These ties are very much similar to the classic works of Ms. Christie, with the difference that Rian Johnson modernizes them, bringing them into the arena of social Media, Tech profusion, and a society where seemingly profound insights mask instead profound narcissism and stupidity. This is all wrapped in a bow that is light and airy, never feeling like the mordant and biting satire that it is. While the characters are indeed thinly characterized, they're given just enough of a nuance to register as more than flat cardboard representations of what an influencer or a politician or a failed actress actually are. The cast is also up to the game, particularly Janelle Monae who manages to walk away with the film, with good support from Edward Norton and Kathryn Hahn. I continue to think Daniel Craig is miscast, with his role being better suited to someone as Ben Whishaw or even Sam Rockwell. The production team is impeccable, including Steve Yedlin's cinematography, Nathan Johnson's score and production design by Rick Heinrichs. A solid and entertaining film worth watching.
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