A wonderfully witty take on the old-fashioned whodunnit, 2019’s Knives Out was one of the most enjoyable movies of recent years. At its heart is Daniel Craig’s enigmatic private detective Benoit Blanc. Fresh from his final James Bond outing in No Time To Die, this role showcases Craig’s charisma and has opened the door for a potential full-on franchise with the arrival of a new adventure, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.
This time, Blanc is hired to solve another murky murder while uncovering dark secrets of a new set of suspects, portrayed by an all-star cast. At the center of this tale is tech billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton), alongside Ethan Hawke, Janelle Monae, and Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr., as well as Kate Hudson and Kathryn Hahn. Newer faces join the ensemble, including Madelyn Cline and Jessica Henwick, bringing fresh energy to the mix.
For director Rian Johnson, known for the very different Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the aim for this not-quite-sequel was a creative restart. Inspired by Agatha Christie’s Poirot series, Johnson takes Blanc into a whole new self-contained world. The original film was set in the wealthy East Coast, filmed predominantly at the Ames Mansion in Boston. However, this new installment transports the audience to a vibrant Greek island, a huge contrast to the cozy New England town of the first film.
Consequently, audiences can enjoy some crystal-blue seas and a bit of luxurious escapism. While the interiors were primarily filmed in studio settings, the exteriors showcase authentic Hellenic beauty, highlighting Greece’s allure to filmmakers. Notable recent productions shot in Greece include David Cronenberg’s Crimes of the Future and Ruben Östlund’s Triangle Of Sadness. This trend of filming in Greece’s captivating landscapes enhances the cinematic experience of Glass Onion.
Spetses
This beautiful island off the Peloponnese, covering about 22 square kilometers, is a cherished getaway for affluent Athenians. Despite its small size, it gained international recognition from its feature in John Fowles’ 1960s novel The Magus. Its restrictions against building and vehicle use have helped maintain its charm, although Glass Onion may draw more attention to this hidden gem.
In Glass Onion, filming focused on the port of Dapia, particularly the Poseidonion Grand Hotel. Built in 1914 and refurbished with elegance in 2009, the hotel’s rich design complements the film’s aesthetic. The production also features Dapia’s pier where a luxurious yacht plays a pivotal role in the story.
Porto Heli
While Spetses provides a stunning backdrop, the architecture we see in Glass Onion is situated on the mainland, specifically in Porto Heli, a former fishing village transformed into a retreat for the wealthy, often dubbed “Greece’s Best-Kept Secret.” The area’s reputation has attracted high-profile visitors and mega-yachts that grace its marinas.
Additionally, Villa 20, part of Aman Resort, serves as the luxurious accommodation seen in the film, complete with stunning views of the Aegean Sea and modern artistic sculptures. Director Rian Johnson discovered Villa 20 during location scouting and immediately envisioned it as a film setting. The cast enjoyed the unique experience of making a movie while immersed in the summer ambiance of Greece.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery will delight audiences in cinemas from mid-October and stream on Netflix starting December 23.
