With the smash success that was Knives Out, more mystery stories featuring private investigator Benoit Blanc were sure to be on their way, and indeed one has. Glass Onion was released at the tail end of 2022 and has garnered massive critical appraisal in similar veins as its predecessor. Despite only having a limited theatrical release in November prior to being out to the public for the holiday season, it is now a welcome contender for Knives Out fans and newcomers to the Benoit Blanc murder mysteries alike. There's just enough to be worth recommending for anyone ready for a fun filled clue fest.

In this new murder case, Daniel Craig reprises his role as Blanc tackling the revelation between tech billionaire Miles Bron (played by Edward Norton) and Bron's closest friends who attach themselves to the guy a little too much. Similar to the first film, writer / director Rian Johnson builds on the foundation that many classic mystery thrillers and comedies established and runs with it on a whole plethora of inspired set pieces and hysterical clues. As Blanc is faced to unravel the mystery behind a well respected tech tycoon, on said tycoon's own private Greek island no less, much of the intrigue in the film has to do with themes of conflicting relationships and the uncomfortability in stepping up to such high power. Many of the so-called friends on Bron's side are mainly on his side due to the huge benefits in their lives and careers, but a lot of them detail their own flaws as human beings with their own personal dilemmas as a result. Through clever trial and error, the mystery throughout the feature lies more in the untangling of the people Bron knows than what lies inside Bron's getaway island.

Next to the well crafted storytelling lies the all star cast, and not just Craig and Norton outshining themselves through brain and brawn. For one thing, the likes of Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom jr, Kate Hudson, and Dave Bautista sell the roles of each individual Bron acquaintance, all through vigorous banter and sardonic delight based on how much their careers have consumed their egos. The additional bonus of Jessica Henwick being somewhat of the straight minded assistant to one of Bron's mutuals gives more reasoning into the maddening circumstances unfolding on the big screen. From all the different set pieces going from one clue to another, each character becomes more fascinating through the deep layers of blind devotion and seethed jealousy they all share towards their idol. While all star casts can elevate the substance in a feature just as much as they can shatter it, this is a case where the former shines all across the screen. It's hard to determine who is the most relatable in that department alone, for anyone you catch in Glass Onion will be worth investigating.

Before we get to the big feature films yet to be released in 2023, it's good to check out already lended cherished darlings like Glass Onion in the meantime. With the announcement of another Benoit Blanc case in the works, this could not be a better time to get into the cinematic spirit of Rian Johnson's mystery thriller franchise. Even if you have yet to see Knives Out, this film is still worth taking a gander at if you're in the mood for a delightful mystery murder feature that treats its audience with respect and integrity. We could always use films like that in contrast to slow minded Hollywood blockbusters after all.