Ever wanted to see a movie that holds up both the abuses and graces of organized religion without letting either smother the other, and also has its lead detective say, very gravely, “Scooby-dooby-doo?” If so, Rian Johnson would like a word.
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” released on Netflix on December 11 and given a limited theatrical run after, is the third installment of Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” series, featuring the world-famous detective Benoit Blanc. On the surface, the film is a classic whodunit movie filled with family secrets, sharp dialogue, and unexpected twists, but beneath that surface is a message about guilt, moral responsibility, and the power of belief to do both harm and good.
The film begins with Father Jud Duplenticy, played by Josh O’Connor, narrating a flashback of the events leading up to the murder of Monsignor Wicks, the church’s preacher. Once the audience is caught up, Benoit Blanc is on the case, with O’Connor serving as this movie’s de facto Watson. While they dig into the facts of the seemingly miraculous murder, secrets and bodies start to pile up, and Blanc can only hope he’s not too late as congregants begin to confess.
Many detective series for the big screen established their reputations in print beforehand, lending their names appeal before they set foot on screen. In portraying Blanc in all three movies with such charm and gravitas, Craig makes it hard to believe he is not working with the mythos of names like Holmes and Poirot. “Wake Up Dead Man” only reinforces this impression, giving us more tidbits about the detective’s life, like his relationship with his mother and with the church (both implied to be soured by homophobia).
However, in the third Knives Out movie, the cornerstone detective makes no appearance until a fifth of the way through the movie. Instead, the movie’s emotional heart is O’Connor’s Father Jud. In a media landscape populated by negative portrayals of the church, he shines as a heartfelt young priest trying earnestly to do good and connect with people through sincere worship. His character is awkward, but not so much as to turn the audience unsympathetic, and his and Blanc’s almost buddy-comedy relationship keep the movie fun.
Previous “Knives Out” movies have been heavy on class commentary, and Rian Johnson makes no secret of his political leanings. While this film has its fair share of messages about wealth and power, its delivery is richer for its abandonment of previous love-to-hate-them caricature styling. The narrative of “Wake-Up Dead Man” is centered almost entirely on the mystery and its emotional consequences surrounding it. Each character and subplot is carefully introduced through Father Jud’s abbreviated retelling, and it’s hard not to feel disappointed we don’t get to see more from an ensemble with the likes of Kerry Washington and Josh Brolin. While there are still moments of humor, they serve the story and don’t distract from it. This gives the movie a more grounded and intentional feel overall.
The first act takes its time establishing the setting and characters, which may feel slow for some viewers, but this thorough introduction pays off as the mystery deepens. Once the investigation gains momentum, the film moves steadily, revealing clues at just the right moments. Some information drops feel like end reveals in and of themselves; Kerry Washington’s hurt and betrayal of Vera is a standout even as her character is sidelined by the onwards-racing plot.The final act is tense and climatic, keeping the audience engaged without feeling too overwhelming or rushed. Although not every question is wrapped up, the resolution makes sense emotionally and thematically. If you’re interested in a whodunit guessing game, this movie might not be for you; the culprit isn’t extremely difficult to guess. However, in foregoing a big twist, the movie’s finale emphasizes accountability and grace.
The movie’s visual style shifts quickly between warm and cool tones as its lush interior sets contrast with outdoor scenes filmed in the UK. Within the church, a studio-built outdoor lighting rig shines, or doesn’t shine, through the windows to emphasize “light” and “dark” in small conversations. It’s a very obvious emotional cue, but it still draws the viewer in with the use of that contrast and the calculated composition in each scene. For a Netflix original, it feels incredibly classy and cinematic, richer in color and maturity than the neat but humorous establishing shots of “Knives Out.” All of the visual style heightens the feeling of wonder as you discover more parts of the story.
“Wake Up Dead Man” is an incredible addition to the Knives Out series, drawing on themes and threads from previous movies while still standing on its own as a gorgeous piece of cinema with a fun mystery and a great leading performance from Josh O’Connor. If you want an afternoon of fun and a post-movie evening of reflection and recaps with friends or family, run, don’t walk!— to theaters, or to your television.
