Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Quality
Comedy
Mystery
Satire
Stylish
Franchise EntryThe review
Critics greeted this sequel as an ambitious, glossy expansion of the original's formula: everything is bigger, flashier, and twistier, with a longer running time and an expanded timeframe. Many praised the density of its plotting—a thriller wrapped in a deception tucked inside a riddle, with multiple suspects, byways, flashbacks, and two whodunit homicides for the price of one. The ensemble was broadly singled out for enjoying itself, with an all-star cast clearly having enormous fun.
Where consensus splits is on whether the bigger scale improves on the first film. A recurring critical complaint concerned pacing and diminishing tension: the wildly entertaining beginning gives way to a saggy midsection as Johnson's mystery doubles back on itself to reveal more details, and some found the percolating tension of the original's classy confines had lessened. A vocal minority felt several supporting characters were underused and that the plotting leaned more on withheld information and late reveals than fair-play clueing.
Thematically, the film leans into pointed social satire of tech-bro wealth culture and pandemic-era absurdity, which most reviewers felt landed well without becoming preachy or bleak. The genuine divide among critics is less about craft—the direction, cinematography, and score are consistently praised—and more about whether the plot's late-film escalation and its titular billionaire's arc feel earned versus overstuffed; some found the climax empty spectacle, while others considered it the more satisfying, unpredictable half of the story.
Related films
Knives Out (2019)Who it's for
Best suited to fans of the first Knives Out, whodunit and mystery lovers who enjoy Agatha Christie-style ensemble setups reimagined with modern satirical bite, and viewers who like starry ensemble casts, elaborate production design, and layered puzzle-box plotting.
Who it's not for
Viewers hoping for a tighter, more classically fair-play mystery structure like the first film may be frustrated, as might those sensitive to broad, cartoonish characterization or extended early pandemic-era setup material, which some found already dated. — Mild violence and murder mystery content (non-graphic) · Brief language · Drug and alcohol references · Thematic elements involving wealth, manipulation, and betrayal
Birds of a feather...
- FilmKnives Out (2019)
The direct sequel, reuniting Blanc for another puzzle-box mystery that pairs genre delight with satire of the ultra-wealthy, in the same theatrical, ensemble-driven register.
98% - FilmDeadpool (2016)
Both are self-aware, genre-savvy deconstructions that gleefully expose the machinery behind their respective genres — Deadpool mocking superhero tropes, Glass Onion twisting the whodunit into a satirical commentary on wealth and media. Each uses a charismatic, irreverent protagonist and layers in heavy pop-culture and industry references, all while keeping the plot propulsive and the humor biting. The shared pleasure comes from watching a familiar genre get taken apart with wit and style.
80% - FilmThe Sting (1973)
A layered mystery that joyfully misdirects the audience, inviting you to admire the construction; shares the game-playing spirit, though with a sharper satirical bite.
68% - FilmBack to the Future (1985)
Both are narrative puzzle-boxes that reward audience attention, layering twists and misdirection while maintaining a playful, sharp tone.
60% - FilmThe Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972)
A more playful, puzzle-driven take on the same target: both works mock the ultra-wealthy and use narrative structure itself as a weapon, deconstructing social performance and the stories the rich tell about themselves.
60% - FilmThe Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Both are playfully constructed mysteries that self-consciously comment on storytelling, with nested revelations and a comic surface that conceals darker social critique. Their craft and wit create a shared tonal kinship.
60% - FilmThe Italian Job (1969)
Another playful puzzle-box from the same filmmaker, layering deceptions and social satire with the kind of breezy confidence that defines the Italian Job.
55% - FilmThe Big Lebowski (1998)
Both are genre deconstructions with ensemble casts and satirical targets, winking at the audience while playing with narrative conventions. The Big Lebowski's shaggy comedy and Glass Onion's puzzle-box approach both embrace a playful, self-aware tone.
50% - FilmThe Thomas Crown Affair (1968)
Connected by a shared fascination with elegance, atmosphere, and the management of emotional expression. Both films are mood-driven, use visual style to convey luxury and restraint, and leave the central relationship suspended between sincerity and performance, appealing to audiences who value craft and implication over direct statement.
50%