Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, written and directed by Rian Johnson, is the sequel to the 2019 hit Knives Out. Moving the setting from New England to a lavish Greek island, the film follows Detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, as he investigates a murder among a group of wealthy and eccentric friends attending an exclusive party. The narrative relies on multiple twists and revelations, keeping audiences guessing until the shocking conclusion that exposes tech billionaire Miles Bron as the killer. The film combines suspense, dark humor, and a critique of privilege, making the finale both thrilling and meaningful.
Miles Bron is revealed as the mastermind behind the murders. Throughout the story, he maintains the facade of a charming and generous host. In reality, he is willing to commit murder to protect his reputation and career. Andi is killed premeditatedly to prevent her from exposing his dangerous business plans. Duke is killed more spontaneously after learning about Andi’s death and threatening to expose Miles. This dual approach demonstrates Miles’ calculating nature and extreme self-interest.
The deaths of Andi and Duke are central to the story. Andi, played by Janelle Monáe, is killed in a staged suicide before the murder mystery party begins. Miles roofies her, locks her in a car with the engine running, and closes the garage door to cover up his crime. Duke, portrayed by Dave Bautista, dies after drinking a beverage containing pineapple juice, to which he is fatally allergic. Initially seen as an accident, both deaths are later revealed as deliberate acts of murder by Miles. These events highlight his willingness to eliminate anyone who could threaten him.
Miles’ Corporate Ambitions and Dangerous Plans Drive Murder and Manipulation for Power
Miles’ decision to murder Andi is closely tied to their corporate rivalry. Andi co-founded Alpha, the company developing the hydrogen fuel cell project called Klear, and opposed Miles’ reckless plans to launch the technology. Ambitious and manipulative, Miles used bribery and deception to push her out of the company, consolidating his control. This action shows his moral corruption and reliance on manipulation rather than innovation to maintain power. It also sets up the extreme measures he takes to silence her.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (Netflix)Miles’ murder mystery party is intended as entertainment, but becomes a tool for his crimes. During the party, he kills Duke to prevent the exposure of Andi’s murder. He also tries to frame his friends as suspects. This twist highlights the film’s theme of deception and perception. Miles attempts to present himself as a victim while orchestrating murder, showing his obsession with how others view him. The party acts as a stage where Miles’ true character is revealed in full.
Miles’ ambitions extend beyond personal gain. His Alpha plan involves selling the unstable hydrogen fuel cell to governments and corporations worldwide. While the technology is theoretically impressive, it is highly unsafe. Miles pursues the project for fame and fortune rather than ethical responsibility. His disregard for human life directly motivates the murders of Andi and Duke. The Alpha plan highlights Miles as a stereotypical tech mogul who prioritizes recognition over morality.
Helen’s Twin Disguise Exposes Miles’ Crimes and Forces Friends to Confront His Manipulation
A major plot twist involves Helen, Andi’s twin sister, who impersonates Andi during the party. Helen collaborates with Detective Blanc to expose Miles’ crimes. Her presence provides critical information that would otherwise remain hidden. By posing as her sister, Helen emphasizes the theme of justice outside legal systems. Her actions heighten suspense and add emotional depth, showing the personal stakes behind the investigation.
By the end of the story, Miles’ friends recognize his true nature. Initially influenced by his wealth and generosity, they come to understand that he only values himself and his reputation. Helen’s actions, such as destroying Miles’ property and sabotaging the hydrogen fuel cell, force the group to confront his manipulative behavior. The friends’ rejection of Miles demonstrates the consequences of loyalty based solely on material gain. His downfall is both personal and social, showing that selfishness and greed have limits.
Detective Benoit Blanc serves as the story’s anchor, unraveling the web of lies and motives. However, when Miles destroys the Glass Onion napkin containing Andi’s plans, Blanc is unable to secure legal evidence against him. This limitation requires Helen’s intervention to achieve justice. The partnership between Blanc and Helen mirrors the dynamic between Blanc and Marta in Knives Out. The story combines intellectual deduction with moral action, showing how courage and ethics can complement detective work.
Rian Johnson emphasizes endings as the most important part of his films. In Glass Onion, the finale delivers multiple interwoven twists that challenge audience assumptions. While the central murder may be simpler than the plot in Knives Out, the twin sister revelation and Miles’ manipulations create a compelling twist. Knives Out 3 is already in development for Netflix, continuing the franchise’s exploration of suspense, clever detective work, and shocking conclusions. Johnson’s approach to carefully structured storytelling ensures that each ending is satisfying and meaningful.
