Benoit Blanc’s latest adventure in “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” explores intriguing religious themes.
In this installment, we discover that Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig, grew up in a devoutly religious environment that has shaped his skeptical stance towards all forms of faith. The narrative does not culminate in a moment of spiritual awakening for Blanc; rather, the murder case he investigates prompts him to confront the significance of religious belief, ultimately enhancing his understanding of its profound impact. While this film may not surpass its predecessor in terms of mystery, it certainly offers a compelling new perspective for the franchise.
The plot centers around the murder of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, played by Josh Brolin, who leads a Catholic congregation in upstate New York that has been dwindling in numbers due to his public shaming of unwed mothers, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others he deems immoral. The primary suspect, and Blanc’s client, is Father Jud Duplanticy, depicted by Josh O’Connor. This young priest, tasked with curbing Wicks’ behavior, finds himself physically assaulted by the monsignor after voicing his concerns. What piques Blanc’s curiosity is the seemingly impossible nature of the crime—Wicks was alone in a secluded alcove, at least fifty feet from anyone else, when he was fatally stabbed after delivering his Good Friday sermon.
Writer-director Rian Johnson, previously indifferent to religious themes in his work, dedicates significant attention to Father Jud’s journey from a troubled past as a drug addict and professional boxer to a man seeking redemption through faith. Unfortunately, O’Connor’s portrayal falls short of capturing the necessary complexity of this character. Although he embodies the gentleness of someone who prays for others even in distress, he lacks the underlying intensity that could add depth to Father Jud’s character. The first “Knives Out” film introduced a protagonist with whom audiences could empathize, but O’Connor’s subdued performance undermines this film’s potential to reach that level of engagement.
Moreover, it is disappointing that in a congregation filled with dedicated Catholics, only one individual entertains the notion of the deceased priest being resurrected on Easter Sunday after being interred in his family tomb. This idea is voiced by the church secretary, played by Glenn Close, who is dismissed by others as merely eccentric.
The film features a vibrant cast of characters, including Wicks’ supporters, such as a washed-up science fiction author reminiscent of Orson Scott Card, an alcoholic physician, and a paralyzed former cellist. When the town’s lawyer reveals a scandal from Wicks’ past, his followers reaffirm their loyalty to him one by one, leading to a dramatic twist.
While the unraveling of the mystery may feel overly drawn out, “Wake Up Dead Man” provides fresh insights into its central detective and cleverly incorporates the motif of multiple characters sporting hairstyles reminiscent of Jesus, akin to the monsignor. Additionally, the film adeptly critiques the toxic interplay of politics, religion, and social media, embodied by the lawyer’s son, an aspiring MAGA influencer who documents everything around him. Throughout these developments, Father Jud’s unwavering commitment to his parish shines through. This rich tapestry of themes suggests that the film deserves a broader theatrical release in Tarrant County beyond just Look Cinemas Bedford and Premiere Cinema Burleson, before it becomes available on Netflix mid-December. Regardless of the medium, it promises to be an engaging experience.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Starring Daniel Craig and Josh O’Connor. Written and directed by Rian Johnson. Rated R.
