Following the success of the 2019 cult classic “Knives Out,” the decision to make a sequel to the original film was certainly a bold one, though it fulfilled nearly every expectation. Rian Johnson’s “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” puffs out its chest as the second installation in the “Knives Out” universe, confirming there will be a series of colorful whodunits like it. And thank goodness, because the solving of the mysteries guarantees to keep viewers guessing — and get their hearts racing in the meantime.

The film is a stand-alone spectacular that can be enjoyed on its own without watching the original “Knives Out,” though the original film sets the precedent for the mind of Detective Benoit Blanc, who appears to be the only recurring character across the films. Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, is a vibrant alternative from his most notorious role of James Bond. Formerly established as a stone-cold agent 007, Craig rebrands himself in the role of Blanc: a genius, loveable detective with a Southern accent you just can’t get out of your head. The character of detective Blanc is much more playful in this film than the last as he embarks on his latest mystery — this is made clear when he makes his first appearance playing a round of “Among Us.”

“Glass Onion” takes place during May 2020 and playfully utilizes tropes we’ve witnessed throughout the pandemic: the problematic celebrity (Kate Hudson), the headstrong billionaire (Ed Norton), the Twitch streamer (Dave Bautista), the girlboss politician (Kathryn Hahn) and the hardworking scientist (Leslie Odom Jr.). The “Knives Out” series is known for its unexpected-yet-electric casting that makes for quite the extravaganza: Hahn and Hudson perform side-by-side for the first time in 19 years since “How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days,” Odom Jr. and Bautista spread their wings and expand from their respective “Hamilton” and Marvel roots, and Madelyn Cline takes the throne as the decade’s most dazzling ingenue as she steps into the role of an arm-candy influencer.

This eclectic ensemble makes for an exciting treat for the viewer as they gather on the island of a billionaire, though Janelle Monáe’s alluring performance as the enigmatic Andi Brand is truly a spectacle to be observed. Having made a name for herself as a Grammy-nominated artist, Monáe has broadened their horizons in the acting industry following her success in “Hidden Figures.” Monáe and Craig make for a powerful duo throughout this mystery, creating a chemistry that swings doors open for future Academy Awards.

With a slew of red herrings, Easter eggs and evidence, Rian Johnson’s continued brilliance resulted in 82.1 million hours of “Glass Onion” watched in its opening weekend on Netflix, according to Variety. The mystery’s genius is also very timely as it delivers a subtle social commentary, engaging with America using the group of characters, the “disruptors,” to convey the message that not all grand actions equate to genius. One of my favorite quotes from the film is when Blanc states, “It’s a dangerous thing to mistake speaking without thought for speaking the truth, don’t you think?”

Arguably the greatest element of the “Knives Out” series is that the end of the first watch is only the beginning — or rather, the first layer. Once the solution to the mystery is revealed, it does not spoil, but rather repurposes the excitement of the film. This tactic has certainly reprised the former charm of the murder mystery genre, allowing the audience to play detective as they catch small hints and explore minor details. “Glass Onion” is a mystery complete with drama, foreshadowing, a smooth build-up and an ending that is clever, shocking, and sharp enough to cut glass.

“Glass Onion” is now streaming on Netflix.

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