Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Rian Johnson’s razor-sharp whodunit Knives Out was a genuine slice of movie magic, piercing its way into the hearts of both audiences and critics. Three years later, Johnson is gifting movie lovers with this spiritual sequel (same universe, different story), which plays out like an ultra-contemporary throwback to the past.

As with its predecessor, Glass Onion is a delicious mystery within an enigma, wrapped inside a riddle, the pleasures of which are best left unspoiled. So fear not, I will tread carefully here... A disparate sextet of former colleagues and (to varying degree) friends each receive an intricate puzzle box, which holds within it an invitation to attend an elaborate murder mystery party at their founding member’s beachside mansion.

But while their ostentatious host is well-known for his parlour tricks, there is something about this particular reunion which feels bizarre, even by his standards. As speculations grow amongst the guests, one question remains on everybody’s lips: who the hell invited Benoit Blanc? All will be revealed as this planned weekend of murder and mayhem, descends into a weekend of, erm, murder and mayhem.

Reprising his role as Blanc, Craig is an absolute hoot as the eccentric detective with a very distinctive Southern drawl, perfectly complemented by killer performances from an otherwise entirely new cast, who appear to be having as much fun as audiences will. Blisteringly funny, slyly satirical and wholly unpredictable, the consistently imaginative Johnson has cooked up an expectation-shattering romp of many layers, just as its title would suggest.

- Michael Blyth