With Netflix’s December 2022 release of “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” Hollywood has found the newest addition to its “eat-the-rich” saga.
Here’s VALLEY’s Spoiler-Free Review of the Film
The movie, with its star-studded ensemble of Daniel Craig, Kate Hudson, Janelle Monáe, Madelyn Cline and Edward Norton amongst others, is a fun, rewarding watch. From a compelling and entertaining plot to a number of cameos and easter eggs for those on the lookout for them, the movie manages to successfully captivate its audience.
The story revolves around a group of friends, led by Miles Bron — played by Edward Norton. They’re invited to a murder mystery game at his mansion, his “Glass Onion,” on his private island in Greece. However, as the plot unfolds, it is clear that to someone in the group, it’s not a game at all. We follow Daniel Craig’s surprisingly lovable Detective Benoit Blanc having found himself on this trip with the close-knit group of friends, subsequently becoming the token detective in the game. However, he’s not the only unexpected guest. Here, we are introduced to Janelle Monáe’s Cassandra “Andi” Brand. She’s a mysterious presence, using her words sparingly and holding a poised stance at all times. It’s clear that there’s some tension between her and our disruptors.
One of the Most Interesting Themes of the Movie is the Concept of “Disruption”
The friend group is referred to as “the disruptors” for most of the film— alluding to the fact that they have, all of them, subverted the norms and what was expected of them to do. Miles Bron, our resident genius billionaire, gave the group this title. The character has what is essentially a monologue about this concept. To quote him, “As it turns out, nobody wants you to break the system itself. But that is what true disruption is. And that is what unites all of us. We all got to that line and crossed it.” The irony in that monologue is jarring, and in all honesty, rather satisfying, especially once the film has reached the culmination of its plot. The concept of the disruptors is jarring and subverted beautifully.
Cameos Throughout the Film
The film is packed with a number of cameos from Serena Williams as Miles Bron’s virtual gym trainer to Natasha Lyonne playing “Among Us” with Blanc. Ethan Hawke shows up as one of Bron’s assistants, and Hugh Grant plays Blanc’s baker and pink apron wearing partner. Some cameos are more cleverly placed — with Jeremy Renner and Jared Leto owning a hot sauce and kombucha brand respectively in the “Knives Out” universe.
All in all, “Glass Onion” is a movie that manages to subvert expectations in a way that feels extremely satisfying as an audience member. On the surface, it’s a whodunnit murder mystery, much like its predecessor. However, as you peel back the layers of the onion, so to speak, it becomes clear why it’s made of glass.
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