February 17, 2025

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Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery – TIFF 2022 Film Review

Still Courtesy - Netflix

Editor's Note: The following review was originally published in-print form, as part of FilmHounds' October/November 2022 Issue

Widely considered and acclaimed as a demonic thanksgiving modern-classic, the success of (2019) can be attributed to the film's fast-paced ebullience and blunt political critique. From Chris Evan's intricately-knit sweater to the comedic ensemble of quips & quotable punchlines — Knives Out would later ignite a wave of relatively unsuccessful wonders. From Death on the Nile to See How They Run, the is once again another sub-genre of moderate interest at the box office. Evidently, we can thank 's creative liaison for this new-found trend. Signing on with a multi-film deal spanning the epic chronicles of Benoit Blanc, the latest entry in the Knives Out saga further proves Johnson's talent as a subversive screenwriter. 

Ironically enough, the greatest fault with : A Knives Out Mystery — for a sequel that completely differentiates itself from the original film outside of Blanc's involvement — is the dwindling setup. As with any great murder mystery, a lineup of exaggerated characters is required to provide an impactful punch for pivotal stake. Akin to its predecessor, the majority of the characters in Johnson's latest are heightened stereotypes. Taking direct aim at the top 1%, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery delicately traces the flamboyant escapades of a group of multi-millionaire egotists. The commentary is louder, providing questionably hypocritical ammunition for comedic jargon. The jokes cheapen the mandatory exposition — relying heavily on buzz-word internet references and even the brief appearance of the video-game sensation ‘Among Us' for emotional connectivity. 

Still Courtesy –

As a bi-product of its derivative humour, the film slowly mimics the weaker elements of Johnson's pre-established work. On a technical scope, it also doesn't help that the colours and contrasts lack the same evocative palette of the first film. The pale grading is an eye-sore, with its plethora of muted shadows. On the flip-side, Johnson understands how to execute a compelling mystery. It's never about the destination, it's all about the journey. The end reveal at the core of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is remarkably predictable; where the film's greatest strength is attributed to the labyrinthine build-up. In a greater sense, the entanglement of gaslit revelations amplifies the structure. There's always some semblance of satisfaction to every narrative payoff. 

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is pure Hollywood entertainment — a thrill-ride with a sub-standard commentary at its withering crux. There's some irony to the film's resolution, as Johnson takes direct aim at his own producing executives, who work for the same multi-billion conglomerate. Even with the aforementioned observation, any weight carried forward from the film's plodding messaging ultimately hinders within the cumulative tidal of surface-level provocations. Don't expect a detailed examination riddled with weighted insight on assimilation, immigration and class-warfare this time around. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is a safe continuation of Blanc's inspired mission to sleuth the world — sponsored by the gumption of Johnson's murderous mind. 

Still Courtesy – Netflix
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery screened at this year's as part of the Special Presentations program. Netflix will release the film on December 23rd, with a theatrical release to precede its streaming debut.