After the 2019 hit release of “Knives Out,” director Rian Johnson has created a new story in the Benoit Blanc universe. This new installment has none of the original actors from the first movie apart from the detective Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig. 

“Glass Onion” features actors such as Kate Hudson, Edward Norton, Madelyn Cline, Jessica Henwick, Janelle Monáe and Kathryn Hahn. There are also special appearances from Ethan Hawke and Hugh Grant, as well as the late Stephen Sondheim and Angela Lansbury.  

“Glass Onion” starts with each of the characters receiving a mysterious box from common friend and billionaire Miles Bron. We learn that as they solve the box, that it is in fact an invitation to his private island off of Greece for a murder mystery to investigate Miles’ death. 

The story is driven through the perspective of detective Benoit Blanc, who also receives a box. Once they all arrive in Greece, the group is shaken when old friend Cassandra “Andi” Brand is among the party. As the plot progresses, more and more is revealed about each of these characters and their true intentions while in Greece.

Overall, this movie follows none of the same premises as “Knives Out,” leaving some to wonder why it is being called a “Knives Out” mystery to begin with. 

Characters, plotlines and the overall feel is quite different from “Knives Out,” but I think that is why it is good. It doesn’t follow the set idea that a viewer may have when reading that it is a “Knives Out” mystery: it is less like the original’s dysfunctional family problems and more like an elaborate, and sometimes obvious, game of Clue.

As far as comparing this to the original, I don’t think it can be done. They are two very different, very well-made, movies.  

If “Glass Onion” were to follow the same ideas of the original, I believe that audiences would be bored by it. No one wants to go to see a movie that they have seen before, especially if it is such a huge film like “Knives Out.” 

This movie carries the feeling of “Clue,” while balancing moments of seriousness with the franchise’s signature wit. It has a wonderful plot twist that really keeps you guessing up until the end. 

Some actors really stood out in this movie, for example Janelle Monáe’s performance as Cassandra Brand. I think without her, “Glass Onion” wouldn’t be as memorable. She expresses duality very well, allowing the audience to connect more with the characters and movie. 

All in all, I think that “Glass Onion” is worth watching if you are interested in a comedy focused plot with much irony and many laughable moments. However, if you are expecting something along the lines of “Knives Out,” you will be disappointed.

The plot is witty and entertaining, however it falls flat when it comes to being a “Knives Out mystery.” It carries little to no resemblance to the original, and is overall a completely different story, which is good if you know that it will not be the same. Coming in with the idea that it will be a retelling or sequel to “Knives Out” will only leave you disappointed.

With pockets of seriousness sprinkled throughout, this movie is better for a nice movie night with friends, rather than a mystery that you have to solve as you watch. Even with that being said, I did enjoy this movie, and if I were to give it a star rating, it would definitely be a 6.5 out of 10.