Wake Up Dead Man Unleashes a Grimmer, More Intense Knives Out Experience
Over two films, Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series has delivered a refreshing take on the murder mystery genre, blending humor with jaw-dropping twists. The original Knives Out kicked things off with a cozy whodunit vibe, while the sequel, Glass Onion, expanded into a more intricate puzzle. Now, Wake Up Dead Man continues this trend with a star-studded cast and plenty of surprises, but it dives into darker and more profound themes, showcasing the franchise’s versatility.
Visually, this film takes on a somber tone, contrasting sharply with the vibrant aesthetic of Glass Onion. The gothic setting and dreary weather contribute to a mood that permeates the entire narrative.
This time, the world-renowned detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is on the case of a murdered priest in a small upstate New York town. The story unfolds long before the murder, introducing Father Jud (Josh O’Connor), a former boxer assigned to Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude after a violent incident with another priest. Upon arrival, he discovers a church in disarray, overseen by the authoritarian Monsignor Wicks (Josh Brolin), who manipulates his congregation through fear and anger, creating a divisive atmosphere. Jud’s first encounter with Wicks is tense, as the Monsignor questions whether Jud intends to take his church from him.
The church itself is steeped in scandal, including a lost fortune linked to Wicks’ father, and is home to a motley crew of regulars, from the struggling political influencer Cy (Daryl McCormack) to the sci-fi author-turned-blogger Lee Ross (Andrew Scott), and the quintessential church lady Martha (Glenn Close), who knows all the secrets, especially the unsavory ones. Even before the murder, the church is rife with intrigue, which escalates when Wicks is found dead in a closet during a Good Friday service, making it a classic locked-door mystery that prompts Blanc’s involvement.
In many ways, Wake Up Dead Man mirrors the structure of its predecessors. Blanc isn’t the sole focus; he’s aided by a key figure in the mystery, who also becomes a suspect. This time, it’s Father Jud, who, by collaborating with Blanc, finds himself at odds with the parishioners who remain loyal to Wicks, even after his death, for reasons that unfold throughout the film.
What sets Wake Up Dead Man apart is its tone. While there are shocking twists and dramatic moments, it lacks the consistent levity of earlier films. An air of uncertainty hangs over the narrative, with Blanc often appearing lost and bewildered. Though he retains his charm, this iteration of the detective is more irritable. His backstory remains largely a mystery, but we learn he was raised by a religious mother and now identifies as a “proud heretic.” The religious backdrop of the investigation deeply affects Blanc, revealing a more vulnerable side of him that we haven’t seen before.
The dynamic between Jud and Blanc is compelling, not just due to their chemistry but also in how they grapple with the unfolding events. The murder and the harsh truths that emerge leave Jud questioning his faith and the meaning of doing the right thing. Simultaneously, these events challenge Blanc’s previously unwavering belief in facts and logic.
This ongoing tension is central to the film and ultimately transforms both characters. Unlike the previous Knives Out films, where the climax is a moment of triumphant revelation often accompanied by a punchline, this film leans towards emotional depth, culminating in a poignant act of forgiveness and absolution—though it still manages to deliver a solid punchline.
Of course, this is still a Knives Out film, so humor and satisfying resolutions are present. Jeffrey Wright brings laughs despite his brief appearance, and there are amusing moments with the suspects, like the paranoid author who builds a literal moat around his home. The mystery itself expands in complexity, making it challenging to predict the outcome. As always, the film provides all the clues, but, as Blanc discovers, piecing them together is no easy task.
Ultimately, this installment offers a more subdued take on the Knives Out formula, enriching our understanding of Blanc. It’s not necessarily better or worse than its predecessors, but it’s distinct in significant ways. Wake Up Dead Man proves that the Knives Out series can explore deeper themes beyond humor and dramatic flair, leaving fans eager to see where the story goes next.
