In 2019, the film “Knives Out” made its debut, carving out a spot among the finest mysteries ever crafted and introducing us to Benoit Blanc, an exceptional detective. Employing a traditional structure for murder mysteries, director Rian Johnson crafted something entirely fresh. At first glance, “Knives Out” seemed like a typical mystery filled with familiar tropes. However, it transformed into something completely different. Although it remained a detective story, concluding with the unmasking of the killer and their defeat, the journey to reach that point was anything but predictable. Three years later, Johnson replicated this success with “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”, a movie that not only met expectations, but possibly surpassed them, offering a tale so intricate it warrants repeated viewings.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, much like its predecessor, has garnered acclaim and continues to be celebrated as a work of artistry. This is all the more remarkable when you consider that viewers were primed for surprises following the first film, yet Johnson and the cast managed to deliver unexpected twists and a fulfilling finale, even to a more discerning audience. As we eagerly await the third installment, it’s worth revisiting Glass Onion to catch details that might have slipped by on your first watch.
Glass Onion Subverted the Criminal Mastermind Trope
Edward Norton Plays Glass Onion’s Antagonist, Miles Bron
- Like with Knives Out, class conflict is a central theme in Glass Onion.
- Glass Onion shifts the focus from “old money” to the recently wealthy.
- Miles Bron’s stupidity is repeatedly hinted at throughout the film, though not officially established until the end.
Known for his knack for defying conventions in his cinematic works, the filmmaker delivers with Glass Onion, embodying this style perfectly. The plot initially follows a genre where intellectual heavyweights are pitted against each other, setting up a classic confrontation. Detective Blanc returns and finds himself on an island filled with successful, eccentric individuals who gained fame for their innovative thinking. The host, Miles Bron, is a tech genius, although his eccentricities add to the mystery. It’s common knowledge that one of these individuals is a murderer, and it appears that Detective Blanc will need to outsmart and expose a sly and lethal villain.
In this current situation, Blanc finds himself without influential peers and his intellect isn’t being stimulated. The politician is self-absorbed and indifferent; there’s a dull-witted and feeble-minded streamer. The fashion designer seems to lack intelligence and sensitivity, while the scientist leading one of Bron’s departments appears intelligent but lacks the motivation to apply it. Most disheartening, and far from what was anticipated, is Miles Bron himself. Instead of encountering an eccentric genius, Blanc discovers a marketing-savvy individual who lacks intellectual depth.
Instead of portraying a cunning criminal mastermind, Glass Onion provides fans with an intricate puzzle that even the brilliant detective Blanc finds difficult to unravel due to its astonishing simplicity. This is hinted at in the film’s early scenes where Blanc fails to grasp the video game Among Us and confesses his poor skills at Clue. Detective Blanc thrives on complexity and relishes the challenge of going head-to-head with intellects that match his own. He stumbles when faced with simplicity, making it almost possible for Bron to outsmart Blanc due to Bron’s lack of intelligence in this case.
This film offers a delightful and intelligent turn of events, ideal for a production that seamlessly combines humor and enigma. It adds an extra layer of enjoyment during re-viewings as viewers can now catch on to Bron’s apparent foolishness from the start. His speech is peppered with mispronunciations, misuses, and even fabricated words, all while maintaining a deep and assured tone. Contrasting classic mystery antagonists such as Moriarty from Sherlock Holmes, Bron’s idiocy contributes to his nearly successful schemes. To top it off, Edward Norton’s captivating portrayal ensures the audience is engaged throughout.
Glass Onion Delivers the Secret Twin Twist in the Best Way
- Benoit Blanc is the only major character to appear in both Knives Out films.
- Actor Noah Segan appears in both movies, but plays different minor characters in each.
- Several stars have cameos in Knives Out, including Hugh Grant, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Ethan Hawke.
In a twist typical of mystery stories, the character of the cunning mastermind is flipped on its head in “Glass Onion.” Instead, the film ingeniously employs the lesser-used trope of the secret twin, Cassandra Brand, who turns out to be Miles Bron’s rival and an unforeseen island guest. This shocking development serves as a pivotal moment in the movie, prompting viewers to reconsider everything that had previously been seen. The double revelations – that Cassandra Brand has met her untimely end and that Blanc and Helen have collaborated throughout the story – add fuel to the intrigue and keep audiences guessing until the very end.
In the movie “Glass Onion,” the detective is outsmarted by the use of a secret twin as a red herring, instead it’s the investigator who employs this twin deception to ensnare his target. This twist offers an opportunity for Janelle Monáe to showcase her versatility, portraying two distinct characters. The contrast between Cassandra’s icy, manipulative personality and Helen’s warm, southern-accented character creates a captivating dynamic. Additionally, the twist enhances the interaction between Helen and Blanc, who share a palpable chemistry, making “Glass Onion” even more compelling to watch multiple times.
It’s entertaining for viewers who watch again to create a timeline and chart where character Helen appears in the movie at various stages. In the initial half, “Cassandra” seems to pop up occasionally, adding a dramatic touch or giving significant glances before disappearing once more. Her true identity unveiled later explains what she was doing when not with the group during those instances. However, it can be challenging to fit everything together while the story is still developing. But on a second viewing, one can mark the scenes where Helen isn’t present and infer what she might have been doing off-screen.
Just like in “Glass Onion”, it strays from the usual tropes we’re accustomed to, which is exactly what makes it so effective. From its surprising beginning to its climactic end where Helen transforms into the hero, it’s an exceptional part of the narrative that strengthens the film and encourages repeated viewings. At first glance, it seems like a typical mystery, but upon rewatching, it unfolds more as a tale of revenge with a satisfying and powerful conclusion.
Glass Onion Poked Fun at Tech Bros Before it was Cool
The Disruptors
| Disruptor | Profession |
| Miles Bron | Tech company owner |
| Claire Debella | U.S. politician |
| Birdie Jay | Fashion mogul |
| Lionel Toussaint | Scientist |
| Duke Cody | Streamer |
As a movie buff, I’ve been noticing an intriguing shift in the limelight lately, from the tech giants like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, often dubbed as the “tech-bro” icons, to becoming subjects of widespread scrutiny. Lately, it seems like their lives have become a blend of drama, mystery, and even a touch of absurdity. From questionable political involvement to flamboyant displays of wealth, they’ve provided ample fodder for comedians and conversation starters among the masses.
The recent acquisition of Twitter by Elon Musk in October 2022 and his subsequent venture into politics has certainly intensified this public-wealthy billionaire relationship, bringing about a storm of scandals that have only fueled the tension between us common folk and the super-rich.
The main concept of the film revolves around questioning the assumption of intelligence in influential business leaders and innovators. Miles Bron symbolizes this notion flawlessly, presenting as a highly intelligent CEO who has amassed wealth through his intellect and diligence. Even Detective Blanc and Bron’s friend Lionel Toussaint, a genuine scientist, presume him to be a genius due to his success. His foolishness is often overlooked as the eccentricities associated with brilliance, and everyone attributes it to him.
In today’s world where people are frequently reassessing their opinions about tech moguls, streamers, and influencers alike, it’s important to recall that Glass Onion was already making fun of them long before it became fashionable. From individuals unaware of the true meaning of disruption to a businessman struggling to manage his own island retreat, the movie satirizes those who believe themselves untouchable. By turning traditional stereotypes on their heads, Glass Onion becomes both clever and, in its skewering of a facet of modern American society, it remains relevant. Regardless of how viewers interpret it, repeated viewings are essential to catch all the nuances and see things from various angles.
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2025-04-28 17:39