Reviews
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Rian Johnson’s Knives Out rightfully took the world by storm in 2019, establishing itself as one of the best murder mysteries to hit the big screen. It was no surprise when Netflix’s deep pockets shelled out roughly $450 million for the next two entries in the franchise. In 2022, the sequel Glass Onion once again captured the world’s attention, although the quality was noticeably weaker, even if the film remained an enjoyable experience.
So as expected, going into the latest film, Wake Up Dead Man, expectations were understandably tempered, but it gives me immense joy to say that those expectations have not only been met but completely surpassed. The newest instalment is a true return to form, a reminder of why this franchise became a phenomenon in the first place, and is bound to take the holiday season by storm. By far its biggest downside is Netflix’s handling of the distribution, meaning the vast majority will not get to experience it where it belongs, on the big screen.
Trading the glitz and glamour of a generational fortune in a cosy mansion from the first movie and the lavish private island of the second, Johnson’s third instalment shifts to a small Catholic church in upstate New York. The setting feels far more suited to something from Midsomer Murders than the grand locations we have grown used to in the Knives Out franchise. Following in the footsteps of Ana de Armas and Janelle Monae before him, Josh O’Connor as the parish’s new reverend Jud Duplenticy steps into the role of Benoit Blanc’s newest sidekick, a pairing that many would say is a match made in heaven.
Duplenticy has been sent to the parish to assist Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, played by Josh Brolin, an unusual preacher who has built a small cult like following rather than the typical congregation you would expect in a church. His sermons regularly stir up hate and aggression within the crowd, and he casts out newcomers or anyone who fails to fit his strict mould. It is hardly surprising, then, that he becomes the victim murdered in the bizarre and mysterious fashion that fans of the franchise have grown to love.
The murder does not occur immediately. Johnson spends the main bulk of the first act establishing the world of the parish and laying the groundwork for the inevitable crime. He introduces every potential suspect well before the killing takes place and allows for genuinely enjoyable character development, giving each person a believable reason to commit the act, with even Reverend Jud included in this process. By the time the murder finally arrives, everyone in the parish is firmly established within the mystery, and the guessing games can begin in earnest.
Perhaps the most compelling part of Wake Up Dead Man, and what sets it apart from the previous films, is that the central question is not only who committed the murder but how the crime was even carried out. There is no seemingly possible or plausible explanation, with Blanc himself describing it as “the impossible crime” and repeatedly referencing The Hollow Man, one of the finest examples of a locked room mystery by John Dickson Carr. Audiences are therefore challenged not just to identify the culprit but also to work out how the act was accomplished. It is this added layer of mental gymnastics that makes the film such a riveting and unpredictable ride.
In true Knives Out fashion, the joy of the mystery gradually unwinding throughout the runtime is fantastic. Unlike Glass Onion, however, Wake Up Dead Man does not lean heavily on comedy. Instead, it is a much darker and more serious entry, exploring unsettling themes. That is not to say the film is without humour, because it certainly has plenty, but the gothic atmosphere and the focus on faith and rationality give the story much more weight. There is also a touch of satire woven throughout, and many viewers will no doubt draw comparisons between Monsignor Wicks and a certain President currently in office.
The impressive A-list cast each bring something unique to the mystery, delivering consistently strong performances. It feels as though everyone involved has embraced the sheer craziness of being in a Knives Out movie and is having a great time doing so, with Josh Brolin and Glenn Close standing out in their supporting roles. Daniel Craig is, of course, exceptional, but that is to be expected by now given his exuberant portrayal of Benoit Blanc. Yet it is Josh O’Connor who shines the brightest. Much of the film rests on his shoulders, particularly in the first half, and he rises to the occasion, proving once again that he is one of the finest actors of his generation.
If anyone were to argue that Wake Up Dead Man is the best instalment in the Knives Out franchise to date, it would be hard to find many who would disagree. The murder mystery is probably the least predictable of any we have seen, and the added element of figuring out how the crime was committed makes it an extremely fun and intriguing addition. Beautifully shot and wonderfully crafted, I for one hope that, based on this evidence, Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig will continue to bring many more Knives Out movies to the cinema.
