Overview of Wake Up Dead Man
Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series has gained attention for its blend of intricate murder mysteries and humor. The new installment, Wake Up Dead Man, builds on this premise by introducing a darker and more complex narrative compared to its predecessors, Knives Out and Glass Onion. This film features world-famous detective Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig, investigating the murder of a priest in a small New York town.
The film opens with a backstory involving Father Jud (played by Josh O’Connor), a former boxer assigned to a struggling church led by the authoritarian Monsignor Wicks (Josh Brolin). The church’s atmosphere is rife with tension and secrets, whose complexity is heightened when a murder occurs during a Good Friday service—a locked-door mystery that challenges Blanc’s skills.
In Wake Up Dead Man, Blanc is not the sole focus; he is accompanied by Father Jud, who becomes an integral part of the investigation and a possible suspect. The film explores their interactions, revealing how the murder affects each character’s beliefs and motivations. Blanc’s character reflects a more vulnerable side, battling uncertainty, especially given his complicated relationship with faith and logic.
The film diverges from the typical Knives Out humor, opting instead for a tone that evokes deeper emotional responses. Key moments challenge both Jud and Blanc, ultimately leading to a resolution marked by forgiveness rather than the conventional triumph typically found in mystery finales.
While maintaining elements of humor and intrigue, Wake Up Dead Man offers a more muted experience, raising questions about morality and belief alongside its engaging mystery. The film will be available for streaming on Netflix starting December 12th.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/840977/wake-up-dead-man-review-netflix-knives-out