Vertigo

Vertigo
Vertigo

Saturday, December 31, 2022

GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY Is a Fun Whodunit

 

Glass Onion is an enjoyable mystery with twists and turns to savor as writer/director Rian Johnson orchestrates his follow-up to Knives Out in fine fashion.

Billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton) invites old friends (including Dave Bautista, Kate Hudson, Leslie Odon, Jr, and Kathryn Hahn) to his island paradise for a murder mystery game. As the guests converge with surprise additions including legendary detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), each person has a secret, and the group’s past comes back to haunt them with extremely high stakes.  It turns out Miles’ plans and machinations are part of a bigger scheme, and not everything is as it seems.  Old grudges, betrayals, and jealousies emerge, but are they motive enough to commit murder?

With cameos and Easter Eggs augmenting snappy, amusing dialogue, the audience needs to stay on its toes to keep up with a dizzying script (that belies Johnson’s love of classic mysteries) filled with surprises and misdirects to confound even the best detectives. Expect the unexpected; you may think you can guess the murder plot, but you would be wrong.  Of course, the climactic narrative is replayed with eye opening revelations. 

Gorgeously shot in Greece with imaginative set and costume designs, the film is anchored by a delicious, musical score.  It’s nice to further explore the character of the brilliant Blanc thanks to a spot on performance by Craig.  The impeccable cast, highlighted by Janelle Monáe, is having a ball with this juicy scenario.  With this gallery of colorful characters, it’s a fun romp that compares favorably with Knives Out, and despite an over the top, apocalyptic end, this is one worthy whodunit.  The next Rian Johnson mystery can’t get here soon enough.

***1/2 of **** stars (add ½ * for Blanc fans)  on Netflix


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