When Knives Out came out in 2019, it was like a breath of fresh air. Here was a new whodunit that was brilliantly scripted, with excellent performances from a star-studded cast. I’ve seen it a couple times now, and despite knowing who the killer is, it holds up well to repeat viewings. So, with how much I loved the film, you would think I would be over the moon about a sequel, but no. I was very much against the idea. I felt Knives Out was so perfect that a sequel could only taint its reputation. Fast Forward a couple years, and Netflix not only has Rian Johnson doing one sequel, but two! The first of these is Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Having seen it twice now, I can safely say my fears were unwarranted. I just want to preface this by saying I’m going to do my best to not discuss the movie in great detail, as I really believe everyone should see the film as blindly as possible.

The movie’s tone is completely different from the first film. The humor, and writing in the original was more satirical, and tongue-in-cheek, but this one is written to be more overtly comedic. At least in the first half, I kept thinking that it felt closer to Clue, if it was set on the private island of an eccentric billionaire. There’s so many parts in the first half that had my audience cracking up. From multiple cameos, and celebrity product gags, to just the weird and sometimes controversial eccentricities of the characters themselves. Kate Hudson’s character was particularly the butt of some of the funniest bits. Even Blanc himself is more laid back in this one, though still familiar. It was like seeing an old friend on a new adventure (not unlike Poirot in that way).

It’s hard to discuss the movie in greater detail without giving away too much, so I’ll just say, reminiscent of the title itself, the film has multiple layers, and it was fun watching them get “peeled back”. Like Knives Out, the ensemble cast here was once again great. It was nice to see Kate Hudson in a bigger role again. Janelle Monáe, far and away gave the best performance of the film. She was incredible in this.

This was an instant winner for me. Rian Johnson’s clever writing. and grand vision are a joy to see unfold.. Now I’m looking forward to the third film, and who knows, even more adventures with Monsieur Blanc after that one!