I was genuinely surprised at how much I enjoyed “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.” While it takes Benoit Blanc and the popular “Knives Out” series in a different direction, it might just be the strongest entry of the trilogy. Writer / director Rian Johnson keeps the cleverness and twists the series is known for, but here he layers in darkness, gothic intrigue, and a thought-provoking exploration of faith versus reason.
This time, Blanc (Daniel Craig) finds himself in a small town centered around its local church and new priest Father Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor), investigating the murder of the charismatic (but highly controversial and divisive) Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin). The case is presented as an “impossible crime” straight out of Edgar Allan Poe’s playbook, with a locked-room scenario and a corpse that seems impossible to account for. I had a ton of fun trying to piece together the clues and offer up my own explanations for the mystery.
Blanc’s classic charm remains intact, but Craig takes the character in a slightly more somber, introspective direction that suits the gothic tone of the story perfectly. He once again gives a nothing short of fantastic performance, further cementing Benoit Blanc as one of his most iconic big screen roles.
The cast here is genuinely great. O’Connor does a fantastic job as a young cleric wrestling with his own doubts, especially when he’s up against Brolin’s tough, no-nonsense Monsignor. Their dynamic alone adds a ton of tension, and they’re fun to watch together on screen. Glenn Close is a standout in her supporting role as the fiercley loyal and devout Martha Delacroix, and the other minor characters (played by Andrew Scott, Jeremy Renner, Daryl McCormack, Thomas Haden Church, Kerry Washington, Mila Kunis, and Cailee Spaeny) are equally perfectly cast. Altogether, the ensemble makes the world feel lived-in and believable. Every character matters, and the way they all bounce off each other adds richness to the mystery. Their performances make the investigation feel not just high-stakes but also personal, which is a big part of what keeps the story (and pacing) engaging.
Johnson captures a different tone here that’s unexpected (and may be a turn off to fans of the first two “Knives Out” movies). His story leans into darkness and moral complexity, exploring themes of religious fanaticism, personal belief, forgiveness, and redemption. Johnson uses the rural gothic church setting to examine how faith can be wielded as a tool of judgment and control while also highlighting the human capacity for compassion and understanding. Betrayal, secrets, and twisted relationships ripple through the congregation, making the plot as emotionally engaging as it is cleverly plotted.
The mystery itself is satisfying and inventive. There’s a lot to unpack, and the “impossible” elements are handled with intelligence and creativity. The reveal is rewarding, the suspense is maintained throughout, and the script is thoughtful without ever feeling heavy-handed. Everything about the movie is exceedingly well done.
Overall, “Wake Up Dead Man” is a strong, inventive, and surprisingly dark entry in the “Knives Out” murder mystery series. It’s clever, fun, and strikes an emotional chord while still delivering a satisfying mystery and some of Craig’s best work as Blanc. For fans of the series, or anyone who enjoys a smart, gothic-tinged whodunit for that matter, this one should be at the top of your watch list.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 