Murder, Mystery, Intrigue: Everything You Wanted to Know About the Film Glass Onion and Its Gorgeous Greek Filming Locations

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery has viewers dying to know - where was this film shot? Touting many locations in Greece throughout the film, we’re here to help break down the reality of Glass Onion’s filming locations and let you in on how you can take advantage of a luxurious Grecian getaway of your own.

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What is Glass Onion About?

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery tells the tale of a weekend in paradise gone horribly wrong. When tech billionaire Miles Bron, invites his closest friends for a murder mystery party on the Greek islands and a guest ends up dead, there’s only one person capable of solving the case -  Detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig.

What was the Glass Onion release date?

If you haven’t yet gathered your favourite movie snacks for a viewing of Glass Onion, you’ll be glad to know that it was released on Netflix to UK viewers on 23 November, 2022, and there’s still plenty of time to watch the film.

Who wrote Glass Onion?

Rain Johnson is the writer and director of both Glass Onion and the original Knives Out. Aside from being an excellent director, Johnson has a clever way of telling an intricate story, which is certainly best appreciated as a viewer of these two delightful films.

What does Glass Onion mean?

Glass Onion is a reference to The Beatles’ song “Glass Onion,” which was originally released in 1968 on their self-titled album. As you watch the film, you may catch on to other Beatles references, such as Miles Bron (played by Edward Norton) strumming on Paul McCartney’s guitar to the tune of “Blackbird”.

What is a glass onion?

This is the question that everyone is asking. Glass Onion does feature a striking, architectural feat at the pinnacle of the film’s setting, the island of Spetses, called the Glass Onion. However, to fans inspired by Paul McCartney and the meaning of his song, “Glass Onion,” a glass onion may also act as a metaphor for things we are looking too closely at, often searching for a deeper meaning that isn’t there.

With The Beatles references scattered throughout the film, Glass Onion may refer to the mistake we make when we read too much into things, or it could simply be a nod at the British slang word for a monocle.

Who are the Glass Onion cast?

Daniel Craig hasn’t missed a beat since he originally hit the screen as Benoit Blanc in the original Knives Out, which premiered in 2019. Now acting with an all-new star-studded cast, including  Janelle Monáe, whom you may recognize from Hidden Figures (2016), and Kate Hudson, who starred in the hit 2003 film How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Hudson plays a clueless fashion designer with a very patient assistant played by Jessica Henwick, recognizable for her role as Bugs in The Matrix Resurrections (2021).

If you’re a fan of live theatre, you may recognize Leslie Odom Jr. as Lionel Toussant from his role as Aaron Burr in Hamilton. The A-list cast doesn’t end there - Dave Bautista, known for his roles in Blade Runner 2049 and Guardians of the Galaxy, and Kathryn Hahn, playing Claire Debella, showcase their skills on the silver screen as one of the main 5 friends invited to the island-set murder mystery party.

Where is Glass Onion filmed?

As a viewer of Glass Onion, it’s easy to get swept away in the beauty of sprawling cypress trees and the iconic 6-levelled estate (known as Villa 20 in reality) where most of the movie takes place, and wonder if it’s worth paying a visit to for yourself - spoiler, it is. Filmed in gorgeous Greek locations such as Porto Heli and Spetses, there is much more than meets the eye in these sensational destinations.

Of all of the Greek islands, Spetses is somewhat of a hidden gem. Its reputation for being overlooked by tourists means that much of its natural splendour has been effortlessly preserved. With private automobiles being banned on the island, visitors may be whisked away by one of 8 taxis on the island, and quickly immersed into the otherworldly wonder that dictates the cosmopolitan essence of the island.

Head to the mainland, north of Spetses, and you’ll land in the perfect place for a luxurious holiday, Porto Heli. While you won’t find the iconic glass onion sculpture here, you may still recognise much of the architecture, as Miles Bron’s mansion is an actual estate near Porto Heli.

Immerse yourself in the world of Glass Onion in one of our gorgeous Greek villas

Craving a Grecian getaway after watching Glass Onion? Embrace your own luxury holiday and revel in the beauty and charm of our favourite villas situated in fabulous filming locations.

Villas that echo the iconic estate of Miles Bron’s are the perfectly spacious villas Iriana and Serayna. Serayna beholds a particularly privileged post on the southern coastline of Porto Heli, with a private jetty and beach access. With enchanting gardens of its own, Seranya is expansive enough to comfortably host up to 12 guests - the ideal estate to host a murder mystery party of your own.

Iriana, in the same suit, is a masterfully crafted modern statement. Designed by Greek architect Nikos Valsamakis, this contemporary villa is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a state-of-the-art venue without the mayhem depicted in the film.

For your own piece of paradise, why not book a holiday on Spetses of your own? Our extraordinary villa Cleonice is characterised by its own charm and atmosphere and is perfectly proportioned for a Glass Onion-sized gathering.

If your wish is for a completely private getaway just like Miles Bron’s island, a 1-hour sea taxi to Hydra will take you to your own private dock at our exquisite villa, Mirkella. This private estate is complete with beautiful panoramic sea-view terraces and a privileged position by the shore, ideal for enjoying sunsets surrounded by your closest family and friends.

If Glass Onion gave you ideas about your next Grecian holiday, why not draw inspiration from its exact filming locations? Our recommendations in Porto Heli and Spetses may garner inspiration, but please contact us for further assistance in planning every detail of your Glass Onion getaway in Greece.