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MESSAGE IN THE MOVIES

Three years ago, with the film Knives Out, writer-director Rian Johnson introduced the world to Benoit Blanc (Craig), the freelance detective with the Southern drawl. In that movie Blanc solved a mysterious death of a mystery writer through the interrogation of his privileged family, who all expected to become rich through inheritance. All of the characters were broadly drawn caricatures used to create satirical digs at people who used their status in selfish and hurtful fashion.

What made Benoit Blanc especially endearing was his moral compass, determined to do the right thing whatever the personal cost. As the mystery was solved, it was another good person who ended up not only with the inheritance but also on the ethical high ground. No spoilers here, just in case you haven’t caught up with Knives Out yet. (It is currently available on DVD, Blu-ray and digital rental.)

Glass Onion is the new film with Benoit Blanc and once again we are given a different group of shallow characters to poke fun at. They are online celebrities acquainted with billionaire and self-proclaimed genius Miles Bron (Norton) who has invited them for a weekend at his mansion on a private island. Among the guests are a fashion model/influencer (Kate Hudson), a men’s rights advocate (Dave Bautista), a politician (Kathryn Hahn), and a scientist (Leslie Odom Jr.). Blanc also shows up – to Bron’s surprise – since he was not officially invited. When another unsolicited addition to the guest list arrives (Janelle Monáe), it is not long before one of the guests dies suddenly and foul play is suspected.

I can highly recommend Glass Onion, but there’s not much that I really want to say about it, since the surprises in store are plentiful.

Social media and its effects upon culture may seem to be a trivial target, but Glass Onion wisely shines a light on how often we are tempted to succumb to its insipid deceptions: from making major investment decisions, connecting with dubious romantic partners, repeating unfounded rumors as facts, and somehow believing that time spent on a digital device is more interesting than face-to-face relationships.

The film even has time to ponder the risky time of transition following two years of Covid-19 isolation. It is ironic that Netflix foolishly rushed this movie onto its streaming service after just one week in theaters. Like Knives Out, Glass Onion is a real crowd pleaser and deserves to be seen with others. Be sure to invite your friends. (No fancy puzzle box invitations are required, but reliable Wi-Fi helps.)

Halo and Pitchfork Rating:

Three halos: A constantly entertaining and tricky satire.
Three pitchforks: Nothing too strong, but plenty of sexual innuendos, swearing, violence, tobacco, alcohol and marijuana.

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