Rian Johnson’s new GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY is openly indebted to the 1973 Herbert Ross whodunnit THE LAST OF SHEILA (and has the Stephen Sondheim cameo to prove it), but perhaps even more so to the 2019 Rian Johnson whodunnit referenced in its subtitle. So our spoiler-laden discussion of GLASS ONION begins by wrestling with the inevitable comparisons to its predecessor film before diving deeper into what distinguishes this more playful, “extremely online” Benoit Blanc romp. Then we bring THE LAST OF SHEILA back into the discussion to see how Johnson’s new film lines up with his stated inspiration point, comparing the two films’ respective deployment of manipulative game-play, their satire of/contempt for the wealthy and well-connected, and their gleeful upending of conventional whodunnit structure. Plus, ahead of next week’s best of 2022 episode, we offer up some last-minute recommendations for December viewing in Your Next Picture Show. 

Please share your comments, thoughts, and questions about THE LAST OF SHEILA, GLASS ONION, or anything else in the world of film, by sending an email to [email protected], leaving a short voicemail at 773-234-9730, or commenting on our Patreon (patreon.com/NextPictureShow), where you can also find bonus episodes and more. 

Outro music: “Mona Lisa” by Nat King Cole

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