When a sequel was confirmed to be in the works for Rian Johnson's critically acclaimed Knives Out, audiences and critics alike couldn't wait to see their favorite private detective back in action. However, many were initially skeptical of the abundance of new characters set to be introduced in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Fortunately, it ultimately works as a sequel due to Benoit Blanc's pivotal role throughout.
Since Knives Out primarily follows Marta Cabrera as she and Benoit realize that ample foul play surrounded Harlan Thrombey's death, it was immensely compelling to see him as the main protagonist in Glass Onion. While Knives Out introduced viewers to Benoit's charmingly cunning antics, Glass Onion gave Benoit a chance to truly shine.
Spoilers ahead for Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Please proceed with caution.
10 How Benoit Subtly Gathers Information From Miles And His Unsuspecting Friends
As a film, Glass Onion does an impeccable job of subverting audiences' expectations, making the payoff even more satisfying. Much of this is thanks to Benoit's inherently amiable demeanor, which encourages several characters in Glass Onion to open up to Benoit despite knowing how intelligent he is.
This notably manifests in the film when Benoit sits down with the friend group and nonchalantly asks what such an eccentric group of individuals could possibly have in common. While this line of questioning would typically come off as suspicious, the casual way he poses the question leads Miles to fall for his trap hook, line, and sinker.
9 Benoit Blanc's Charming Southern Drawl
Another aspect of Benoit that makes him even more likable and compelling as a character throughout Glass Onion is his southern accent. While this charming character trait was prevalent in Knives Out, the comparatively more nuanced way it is portrayed in Glass Onion is distinctive to the sequel.
Benoit can perhaps best be described as an eccentric, clever gentleman detective who takes a unique approach to untangle the complex mysteries that come his way. Even though several of these archetypes are stereotypically British, Benoit's signature "Kentucky-fried Foghorn Leghorn drawl" makes him undoubtedly unique and compelling as a character.
8 The Fact That Benoit Just Like Everyone Else
In Knives Out, Benoit is mainly depicted as an objective individual willing to do anything to uncover the truth behind Harlan Thrombey's death. From using Marta's extreme aversion to lying to his advantage to having her join his investigation team despite noticing a speck of blood on her shoes upon meeting, it is readily apparent that Benoit is driven by his moral compass.
Regardless, Glass Onion shows viewers a more lighthearted and comically less observant side of Benoit that initially comes as a shock. This is perhaps most notable when Benoit lights a cigar in a smoke-free zone without thinking and haphazardly rushes out of the area to avoid getting in trouble.
7 Benoit's Sheer Commitment To Pursue Justice No Matter What
As previously mentioned, Benoit is notably driven by his moral compass, and will do anything in his pursuit of justice. Even though there were countless moments that left the legendary private detective stumped, he ultimately wants nothing more than for Helen to come away with the truth she deserves.
Despite being upfront with Helen when she first comes to him by saying that the truth he uncovers may not be the truth she expects, he decides to help her since he recognizes that she is entitled to the truth. After all, he encourages Helen to blow up Miles' extravagant mansion and ruin his reputation, ultimately turning the tide in her favor.
6 Benoit Blanc Just So Happens To Be Queer
Since Benoit's personal life is a complete mystery in Knives Out, many viewers and critics appreciate that he is given a more personable, humane side in Glass Onion. This notably occurs early in the film when Benoit's partner Phillip is briefly introduced.
While Phillip only appears to inform Benoit that he has received an unexpected visitor, it's refreshing to see notable characters like Benoit just so happen to be queer. Since far too many queer characters have been reduced to their sexuality or gender identity and are written to conform to negative stereotypes, such casual LGBTQ+ representation in a major blockbuster film is groundbreaking.
5 Being Terrible At Murder Mystery Games Despite Being Lauded As The Last Of The Gentleman Sleuths
In Knives Out, Benoit is a charismatic yet stoic character who appears to lack flaws. However, Glass Onion lightheartedly shows viewers that Benoit has one resounding flaw that grounds his character in reality: he is terrible at murder mystery games like Among Us and Clue.
Even though audiences would expect these games to be beloved hobbies of Benoit's, he expresses immense distaste at these games whenever the opportunity presents itself. Like any sore loser, Benoit passionately hates these games so much because of how bad he is at them — a character trait that makes him surprisingly relatable.
4 The Fact That Benoit's Still Got It — Even During The Pandemic
An unnerving sense of unease defined the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic due to the virus' initially unknown nature and the accompanying hopelessness and depression that many individuals faced as they lived in isolation. Such isolation made it difficult to stay motivated since it was impossible to tell whether society would ever resume some sense of normalcy.
Regardless, the fact that Benoit made a commendable comeback as a private detective during the height of the pandemic is a testament to his unmatched skill and professionalism. Despite being terrible at murder mystery games, he is able to solve Miles' murder mystery in mere seconds.
3 Benoit's Ability To Adapt In The Heat Of The Moment
While Glass Onion's events are enough to leave any average person perplexed and even terrified, Benoit showcases his abounding merit as a private detective through his impressive ability to think on his feet. Even in fleeting moments when he is at a loss regarding his next move, Benoit quickly recovers and methodically weighs what he should do next.
This is perhaps most notable as Benoit is forced to decide how to react to Miles' failed attempt to kill Helen. Rather than become too stunned at this assassination attempt to take definitive action, Benoit quickly covers Helen in hot sauce to make it look like she died from a gunshot wound.
2 The Epic Confrontation Between Benoit And Miles
Glass Onion impeccably leads viewers astray by implying that Miles is a genius just to subvert this narration later in the film when Benoit realizes that Miles is not as smart as he lets on. While this premise in and of itself is truly laughable, the way Benoit confronts Miles about his idiocy as Glass Onion approaches its climax has spawned an epic confrontation like no other.
There are several clues scattered across the film that attentive viewers may have picked up on concerning Miles' intelligence or lack thereof. Regardless, Benoit painstakingly chronicles these various clues to audiences as he confronts Miles toward the end of the film, creating an unforgettable moment in the Knives Out franchise.
1 Benoit Steps Away As The Film Approaches Its Climax To Give Helen Her Chance To Shine
In Knives Out, Benoit cemented himself as a commendable private detective as he saw through Ransom's bluff in realizing why he was hired to look into the nature of Harlan's death, and the unnerving role Ransom played in Harlan's death. Since Benoit has already proven himself in Knives Out, he is able to step away toward the end of Glass Onion to give Helen a chance to shine.
Before stepping away to watch the madness unfold from the safety of the mansion's front lawn, Benoit gives Helen some liquid courage and a piece of Klear, which Helen uses to light Miles' mansion ablaze and destroy the Mona Lisa. In the process, Helen satisfyingly ruins Miles' reputation and turns his friends against him in one fell swoop.