Are you a movie lover who enjoys puzzling over intricate plots and unexpected twists? If so, you may have heard of two recent films that have been generating buzz in the thriller genre: Knives Out and Glass Onion.
But with so many movies to choose from, you may be wondering if it is essential to watch both or if you can skip one. In this article, we will explore the question, “do you need to watch Knives Out before Glass Onion?” We’ll dive into the plots of both films, analyze their connections, and weigh the pros and cons of watching them in a particular order.
So, let’s get started and find out if watching Knives Out before Glass Onion is a must-see cinematic experience or if you can enjoy Glass Onion on its own.
Overview of Knives Out and Glass Onion
Knives Out
Knives Out is a 2019 mystery-comedy film directed by Rian Johnson. The story revolves around the death of Harlan Thrombey, a wealthy patriarch, and the investigation that follows. The film boasts a star-studded ensemble cast, including Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, and Ana de Armas. Knives Out received critical acclaim for its witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and impressive performances.
Glass Onion
Glass Onion is a 2021 psychological thriller film directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The story follows the character of Kevin Wendell Crumb, who suffers from dissociative identity disorder, and his encounter with David Dunn, a man with superhuman abilities. The film is a sequel to Shyamalan’s previous works, Unbreakable (2000) and Split (2016), and features James McAvoy, Bruce Willis, and Samuel L. Jackson in the lead roles. Glass Onion received mixed reviews, with critics praising the performances but criticizing the convoluted plot.
Similarities and Differences
Despite the differences in genre and storyline, both Knives Out and Glass Onion share some similarities. Both films boast talented casts and explore themes of trust, betrayal, and deception. However, Knives Out is more of a lighthearted mystery-comedy, while Glass Onion is a darker thriller with elements of horror. Additionally, Knives Out is a standalone film, while Glass Onion is a part of a larger trilogy.
Understanding the Plot of Glass Onion
The Plot of Glass Onion
Glass Onion is a psychological thriller that centers around the life of a young woman named Lily. Lily struggles with her mental health and is haunted by the memories of her traumatic childhood. As she attempts to come to terms with her past, she finds herself trapped in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with a mysterious man named Jack.
The Key Characters, Themes, and Conflicts
The film’s main character, Lily, is a complex and troubled young woman who is struggling with her mental health and the trauma of her past. Jack is a manipulative and dangerous man who seems to be connected to Lily’s past in some way.
The film explores several themes, including the impact of trauma on mental health, the nature of memory, and the struggle to find a sense of identity in the face of adversity.
The central conflict in Glass Onion is the battle between Lily and Jack. As Lily tries to uncover the truth about her past and confront her demons, Jack does everything in his power to stop her. The tension between these two characters is palpable throughout the film and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Relationship between Knives Out and Glass Onion
The Connection Between the Two Movies
At first glance, Knives Out and Glass Onion may seem like entirely unrelated films. Knives Out is a whodunit murder mystery, while Glass Onion is a psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a disturbed character. However, upon closer examination, there are a few connections between the two movies.
For one, both movies explore the theme of family dynamics. In Knives Out, the story revolves around a wealthy family that is torn apart by the death of their patriarch. In Glass Onion, we see a father and son relationship that is fraught with tension and emotional manipulation.
Additionally, both films use the concept of unreliable narrators to keep the audience guessing. In Knives Out, we question the motives and actions of each family member, while in Glass Onion, we wonder if the protagonist’s perception of reality is accurate.
Do You Need to Watch Knives Out Before Glass Onion?
While there are some similarities between the two movies, it is not necessary to watch Knives Out before Glass Onion. Glass Onion is a standalone film that can be enjoyed on its own without any prior knowledge of Knives Out.
That being said, if you have seen Knives Out, you may pick up on some subtle references and Easter eggs in Glass Onion. These nods to the previous film may enhance your viewing experience, but they are not critical to understanding the plot or characters in Glass Onion.
In conclusion, while there are a few connections between Knives Out and Glass Onion, it is not essential to watch them in a particular order. Both films are unique and captivating in their own right and can be enjoyed independently of each other.
Pros and Cons of Watching Knives Out before Glass Onion
Advantages of Watching Knives Out before Glass Onion
If you choose to watch Knives Out before Glass Onion, you will have a better understanding of the mystery genre and what to expect from Glass Onion. Knives Out is an excellent example of a modern whodunit, and it may help you appreciate the subtleties of Glass Onion’s plot and characters. Additionally, watching Knives Out first may enhance your viewing experience by allowing you to compare and contrast the two films, noticing similarities and differences that you may have missed otherwise.
Disadvantages of Watching Knives Out before Glass Onion
Watching Knives Out first may spoil some of the surprises and plot twists of Glass Onion. While Glass Onion has its unique storyline and characters, it shares some elements with Knives Out, and watching them in reverse order may make Glass Onion feel like a less exciting and original film. Moreover, watching Knives Out first may leave you with expectations that Glass Onion cannot live up to, leading to disappointment and dissatisfaction.
How Watching Knives Out May Enhance or Detract from the Viewing Experience of Glass Onion
In conclusion, the decision of whether to watch Knives Out before Glass Onion depends on your personal preferences and expectations. If you enjoy the mystery genre and want to see more examples of modern whodunits, watching Knives Out first may enhance your viewing experience of Glass Onion. However, if you prefer to experience each film on its own and do not want to spoil any surprises, it is better to watch Glass Onion first. Ultimately, both films are worth watching, and the order in which you watch them should not affect your enjoyment of either.
Conclusion
After analyzing the plots of Knives Out and Glass Onion, it is clear that both movies are independent of each other. While they share some common elements, such as the genre and the presence of a mystery, each film tells a unique story with its twists and turns.
However, watching Knives Out before Glass Onion can enhance your viewing experience by providing some useful context for a particular character. If you decide to watch Glass Onion first, you may miss some subtle clues that reference Knives Out.
In conclusion, while it is not necessary to watch Knives Out before Glass Onion, it can be a good idea to do so if you want to get the most out of your viewing experience. At onionfacts.com, we recommend watching both movies in any order that suits your preference.
Thanks for reading, and we hope this article has provided some useful insights into the question of whether you need to watch Knives Out before Glass Onion.
