Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
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The story
During the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, tech billionaire Miles Bron hosts a murder mystery game at his mansion on a private island in Greece. He invites a group of friends known as the 'Disruptors' via intricate puzzle boxes. The group is joined by famous detective Benoit Blanc, who is tasked with solving the game. However, the atmosphere shifts when a death occurs during the festivities, and the group finds themselves trapped by a power outage. Blanc must navigate the complex dynamics and hidden motives of the guests to uncover the truth behind the unfolding mystery in a remote, high-stakes setting.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Miles Bron hosts a murder mystery game for his 'Disruptors' on a Greek island. Detective Benoit Blanc joins the group, and while he initially solves the 'game' and warns Miles that the guests have motives to kill him, a real death occurs when Duke Cody dies after drinking from a glass. A power outage follows, and during the chaos, a woman named Andi is shot. A flashback reveals that Andi was actually murdered a week prior by Miles, and her twin sister Helen had posed as her to help Blanc investigate. The investigation reveals that each 'Disruptor' had a motive to kill Miles: Lionel and Claire were tied to the safety of a fuel source, Birdie needed financial help, and Duke intended to blackmail Miles. It is revealed that Miles poisoned Duke and shot Helen. In the climax, Helen reveals her identity, and after a confrontation where the group refuses to testify against Miles, she triggers an explosion using the volatile fuel, destroying the mansion and the Mona Lisa. The destruction ruins Miles's reputation, leading the group to finally agree to testify against him.
- First release year
- 2022
- Runtime (minutes)
- 139
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Rian Johnson
- Writers
- Rian Johnson · writer
- Cast and characters
- Daniel Craig · Benoit Blanc; Edward Norton · Miles Bron; Janelle Monáe · Helen Brand, Andi Brand; Kathryn Hahn · Claire Debella; Leslie Odom Jr. · Lionel Toussaint; Kate Hudson · Birdie Jay; Dave Bautista · Duke Cody; Jessica Henwick · Peg; Madelyn Cline · Whiskey
- Genres
- mystery; comedy; thriller
- Themes
- wealth and privilege; betrayal; hidden motives
- Tone and mood
- mystery; comedy; suspenseful
- Setting
- A private island in Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Premise and plot tags
- whodunnit; mystery game; ensemble cast
- Reception
- The film received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising the screenplay, direction, performances, and musical score. It was named one of the top ten films of 2022 by the National Board of Review.
- Awards and nominations
- Best Adapted Screenplay · Academy Awards · 95th · nomination; Best Supporting Actress · National Board of Review Award · win
- Production trivia
- The title 'Glass Onion' was inspired by a song by the Beatles.; The film contains several references to other songs by the Beatles.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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