What’s more of a crime: the fact that Glass Onion was shown for only one week in theaters thanks to a massive Netflix deal or murder at a following a dinner party?

Director Rian Johnson’s latest addition to the Knives Out universe kept early viewers on the edge of their seats during an arguably more twisted tale. Instead of focusing on a tight-knit family falling apart by the death of their head, the sequel shifts gears and centers around a more eclectic bunch. The ensemble cast nature of the film, led once again by a magnificent performance from Daniel Craig as famed detective Benoit Blanc, allowed for each character to shine more than the ornately crafted sculpture at the film’s center. 

Glass Onion is not only a mystery, but a satirical “eat the rich” tale as well. Taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic’s peak in May 2020, the film takes place at an exclusive party held by Elon Musk wannabe Miles Bron (Edward Norton) on a private Greek island. Bron sent out five puzzle boxes with invitations inside to those nearest and dearest to him: ditzy supermodel Birdie Jay (Kate Hudson), occasionally sexist Twitch streamer Duke Cody (Dave Bautista), former Connecticut governor turned Senate hopeful Claire Debella (Kathryn Hahn), his head scientist (Leslie Odom Jr.), and his ex-business partner Cassandra “Andi” Brand” (Janelle Monae).

The catch? One invitation box mysteriously ends up at Benoit Blanc’s residence after the fivesome are shown unboxing their packages. 

Soon enough, Blanc finds himself boarding one of Bron’s many yachts with the five invitees alongside Duke Cody’s airhead girlfriend (Madeline Cline) and Birdie Jay’s loyal but timid assistant (Jessica Henwick). The guests all question the detective’s decision to show up in the first place, but Bron allows for him to stay for the entertainment value.

Of course when the time comes for a murder mystery dinner game, someone actually winds up dead. Adding to the drama, the lights suddenly go out at 10:00 PM sharp and the guests cannot leave the island until authorities arrive the next day.

One way Glass Onion differs from the series’s first installment is in terms of its stellar performances. An overdramatic performance by Kate Hudson steals the show

due to her extravagant gestures and hilarious wardrobe selection. However, Janelle Monae is truly the film’s star asset, specifically because of a particular flashback scene towards the film’s midpoint with Craig that highlights her acting chops. 

The film also benefits from bizarre cameos: basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Russian Doll star Natasha Lyonne, plus legends like Stephen Sondheim and Angela Lansbury in their final posthumous film roles. Even more insane, Joseph Gordon-Levitt voices a clock and Jeremy Renner’s likeness appears on a hot sauce bottle. 

Nothing can reach the insanity of the climax, though. The last ten minutes or so encapsulates a frantic energy found nowhere else throughout the film. Chaos ensues as glass shatters, dark secrets unravel, and the true murderer is revealed.

All in all, Glass Onion will satisfy audiences young and old with its fresh, tasteful plot. The movie hits Netflix on December 23rd, so subscribers should keep their eyes peeled to avoid spoilers at all costs.

Rating: 4.5/5 priceless onions made of glass