Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Review - One of the best trilogies of all-time
- Chase Gifford
- 7 hours ago
- 5 min read
“Is man merely a mistake of God’s? Or God merely a mistake of man?” - Friedrich Nietzsche
Going 3 for 3 on a trilogy is no easy feat. Peter Jackson did it with The Lord of the Rings. Matt Reeves took over for Rupert Wyatt and finished Caesar’s story beautifully. Christopher Nolan created one of the best live-action Batman storylines ever and now, officially, we can add Rian Johnson with the tales of Benoit Blanc. There is a feeling the Knives Out films give me, one of exceptionalism. And it’s an in-the-moment kind of realization as you can see, feel, and hear the guiding hand of a master at work. There is an utter confidence that permeates throughout these stories as if, in a way that isn’t boastful, says everything is working towards the same goal without hesitation, without doubt, or any hint of trepidation. Like Glass Onion and Knives Out before it, Wake Up Dead Man is exceptional.
A common thread throughout the first two films is a comedic tone. Despite the subject of murder and betrayal being prevalent themes, there is a brilliant sense of humor residing in the idea that people who commit these acts aren’t always the sharpest knives in the drawer. Then to add someone so proficient at solving mysteries like Benoit Blanc is borderline unfair for any nefarious types lurking among the oddity characters of a Rian Johnson whodunnit. This is where Wake Up Dead Man stands out. While it still certainly provides a fair share of laughs, this is a much darker outing for Blanc and company. I would argue the laughs might be fewer this time, they are also more impactful, hitting with a stinging kind of satire and social commentary.
Films that tackle subjects like religion, all of its complexities and controversies, tend to hit home for me. I was raised religious and became otherwise later on for many reasons I won’t get into in a review. But even in a fictional setting, there is truth to the words whether in support of religion or in opposition to it. However nonsensical I find religion, when true believers speak of their faith and beliefs, there is always truth in it. Just as there is truth in the atheist’s opinion of those same topics. In Wake Up Dead Man, it is a clashing of believers and non-believers, both with their own psychological issues that often come to the surface throughout. And its brilliance lies in the acceptance of both parties, both being of total conviction and reliability. Each side makes their case for why they believe in whatever it is they adhere to. The madness is in human nature where ego, greed, temptation, and malevolence are driving factors despite any kind of belief system or so-called sense of morality.
This story is one of challenges. The challenge of belief, the challenge of faith, the defiance of temptation. The challenge of good versus evil.
In one corner we have religious indoctrination. In the other is skepticism and logistical management. It’s about piecing together a puzzle when the ideologies are so contrasting and somehow making sense of it all. This is the task of famed private detective, Benoit Blanc. And I’ll be honest, this case may prove too much even for his skillset.
In the third of what I hope is only the beginning of this character’s stories on the big screen, Benoit Blanc has been tasked with uncovering the mystery of the impossible murder. The crime: A man, (feared?) a revered priest of a small parish, walks into a windowless, closet-sized room with a single access point and is somehow stabbed to death with numerous witnesses seeing nothing but the undeniable aftermath of a dead man bleeding from an ominous blade protruding from his back. And the two screaming questions: Who? And why? Blanc has his work cut out for him.
An unexpected aspect to this story is the almost secondary role Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc takes allowing for Josh O’Connor’s Fr. Jud Duplenticy to shine at every possible moment. This is a Blanc mystery certainly, but it’s undeniably the story of Father Jud. He is a potential victim, a possible suspect, and like everyone in this story, guardian of life altering secrets. Even if he’s innocent, he’s hiding things but so is everyone else. And believe me when I say, there are absolutely degrees to which secrets are worse. There are some seriously diabolical hidden truths here and when they inevitably come to light it will be disastrous.
As Father Jud, Josh O’Connor steals the show at practically every turn. He is darkly funny, well-intentioned, and highly flawed. He wants desperately to be a man of God by his understanding and not that of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks who by any discerning voice, would say he preaches with hostility and an unsettling persuasion. O’Connor’s Father Jud is a man that believes in open arms; to bring in those of all backgrounds who are seeking clarity or comfort and hope to possibly find it under the guidance of God. Wicks believes he is in a war for the souls of those who believe and will unabashedly shun those he deems wayward or unserious about their faith. He is a combative presence and Father Jud is rightfully concerned, especially when the core group of church goers seem to ignore his heavy-handed oppression towards any newcomers.
One of the best aspects to a Knives Out mystery is the time given to every character. They are all important. They are all hiding something. They are every bit as eccentric and duplicitous as the next. Even in their innocence they are not to be trusted. This is a collection of corrupted souls vying for God’s attention in all the worst ways. And somehow, they are just as charming and likeable as they are villainous.
If Blanc and Father Jud are side by side, in their path to the truth are wicked-natured individuals who have lost all concept of being people of God. Blanc must sift through the misconceptions, half-truths, and outright lies to uncover the impossible reality of a man murdered where no one else stood near.
Wake Up Dead Man is exhilarating. It provides thrills and mysteries at every turn with characters that are fascinating and ridiculous in the best ways. There are moments when the obvious choice is circumvented for something far more interesting that can have your head spinning while always managing to bring it back together in a coherent and jaw-dropping fashion.
Daniel Craig was born to play James Bond. I can say now with total confidence, he was born to play Benoit Blanc too. He is endlessly charming and alluringly brilliant in both his silliness and bravado. He is a complete character of significant altruism. He wants justice and preservation of innocence and Craig plays these characteristics with complete conviction. He is a continuing tremendous presence throughout these stories.
And as the same with the previous two films, Wake Up Dead Man has an amazing cast playing wonderfully entertaining characters. The cinematography is a character all its own creating gothic undertones and prophetic imagery casting both shadow and sunshine at the stories darkest and most uplifting moments. This is a symphony of entertainment melding with taut storytelling, whip-smart dialogue, and a brilliant finale that no one will see coming. Even those liars in your friend group that always say they knew what was going to happen the entire time. They’re full of shit. If it stumps Benoit Blanc like it does, your friend is no better. Sorry. As for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Rian Johnson is 3 for 3.
Rated PG-13 For: violent content, bloody images, strong language, some crude sexual material, and smoking
Runtime: 140 minutes
After Credits Scene: No
Genre: Whodunnit, Crime, Mystery, Comedy
Starring: Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin
Directed By: Rian Johnson
Out of 10
Story: 10/ Acting: 10/ Directing: 10/ Visuals: 10
OVERALL: 10/10
Buy to Own: Yes.
Check out the trailer below: