- Release year: 2025
- Director: Rian Johnson.
- Producers: Ram Bergman and Rian Johnson.
- Screenplay by: Rian Johnson.
- Cinematography by: Steve Yedlin.
- Music by: Nathan Johnson.
Synopsis: a monsignor is found dead during mass; the main suspect is his assistant.
Shotgun Commentary: pretty clever, way better than Glass Onion (2022), but still worse than Knives Out (2019).
Review
Wake Up Dead Man is the third instalment of the Knives Out franchise. The saga that awed and perplexed us with its brilliant story and charismatic characters, only to deliver a painfully predictable, horribly cast sequel, now brings us another mystery. This time around, I am happy to report that they do hit the nail on the head… Or the monsignor on the back, in this case.
The story is largely narrated by Father Jud Duplencity (Josh O’Connor). He is priest who got sent to Monsignor Jefferson Wicks’ (Josh Brolin) parish to assist him after sucker-punching a colleague. Upon arrival, he is received with weeks of psychological abuse from the monsignor, creepy stories from the church’s administration, and general contempt from the usuals at mass. Still, he doesn’t let any of that deter him from doing “the Lord’s work”. That is, until he is accused of killing the monsignor. Everything seems lost until Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) shows up to save the day.
The movie combines mystery, humour, and constant social critique, occasionally delivered in the form of a rant that comes out of nowhere but is never unwelcome. From the constant political jabs to the current US government mentality to the very direct layout of how politics currently work, this might just be the most irreverent instalment of the franchise. And I mean that in the best way possible.
Highlights
Naturally, one cannot do a murder mystery in a church without acknowledging the obvious issues of the Church. In this case, it is presented in the form of rabid speeches, tame hypocrisy, and one of the most beautiful scenes of the year: the ideological debate between Blanc and Jud. The scene takes place in Wicks’ church, like most of the film. As the characters speak, the sunrays come and go, showing the space as both a cosy and safe environment for those moments where the potential good of the Church is discussed, and a cold and heartless space when the reality of its harmful influence is exposed.
As in the first film (but sadly not the second), the cast is absolutely fantastic. Craig is predictably amazing reprising his role as Benoit Blanc, O’Connor plays the perfect adorable fool, and Brolin is positively loathsome, which is rather the point. However, my personal favourite can only be Kerry Washington as Vera Draven. Her simmering wrath will bring life to your afternoon. With just the right amount of IDGAF that we could all use in our daily lives and no time for anyone’s bullsh*t, she’s definitely the icon of the film despite the fierce competition.
All in all, Wake Up Dead Man is the perfect combo of fun, intrigue, commentary, and nonsense to be the perfect mystery experience. And don’t even get me started on the flawless “harlot whore” storyline, which is a masterpiece and would require its own individual review.
Advice to take from this movie:
- There’s no such thing as an impossible crime, but if you have ideas, do sell them to Netflix.
- Don’t believe all the gossip you hear.
- Remember: not all priests are massive d*cks. Just a very big amount of them.
What’s your take? Have you watched Wake Up Dead Man? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message on my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀