The art of misdirection
Layers of twists, turns mislead from obvious conclusion
The cast of “Glass Onion: a Knives Out Mystery.” “Glass Onion” uses misdirection to engage the audience in its story.
Warning: This review contains spoilers for “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”
Following a limited theatrical release, Netflix has released Rian Johnson’s “Glass Onion: A Knives Out mystery” onto their platform. The movie is a sequel to 2019’s “Knives Out.”
The film follows detective Benoit Blanc, who is invited to participate in a murder mystery game, hosted by billionaire and genius Miles Bron for his friends. As the game is coming to a close, one of the participants is murdered and Blanc begins to investigate.
[T]he mystery of the movie is a glass onion, with layers and layers, but the center is as clear as could be.
— Staff Writer Micah Freeman
The most appealing part of “Glass Onion” is how it leads the audience one way while the case is actually spiraling in the other direction. Just as the title states, the mystery of the movie is a glass onion, with layers and layers, but the center is as clear as could be.
As the movie goes on, details and possible motives of Bron’s friends are revealed, although it is unveiled that Miles is behind it all.
After Duke Cody discovers that Bron killed former partner Andi Brand, Bron kills him. However, this murder plan is quite messy and leaves loose ends, such as everyone clearly seeing Bron hand Cody a poisoned glass.
This and multiple occasions where he uses incorrect or even just made-up words show the greatest misdirect of all – Miles Bron is not a genius; he is an idiot.
The use of misdirection allows the audience to relate to the whirlwind the characters face throughout the film. The cast’s talent sells the audience on believing what they say, making every moment more engaging.
“Glass Onion” succeeds due to its use of misdirection, making it a fun and interesting whodunit movie.
