Murder Most Foul in Wake Up Dead Man

Writer-director Rian Johnson weaves another layered mystery in Wake Up Dead Man, the latest Knives Out film.

This time, the action takes place at an upstate New York church led by the fiery Msgr. Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), who even the bishop says is “a few beads short of a full rosary.” 

After Wicks’ murder during a Good Friday service, the prime suspect is the assistant pastor, Father Jud (Josh O’Connor). The young priest maintains his innocence, but the congregation is against him, led by mysterious church lady Martha (Glenn Close).

While Daniel Craig’s Detective Benoit Blanc plays a role, O’Connor and Close mainly guide viewers through the proceedings. 

Indeed, unlike the first two movies, this one doesn’t end with Blanc explaining everything. No spoilers for how the final twist unfolds, but suffice it to say Wake Up Dead Man has the best resolution of the Knives Out trilogy. 

Given its setting, the film also abounds in powerful religious imagery. There are several clever music cues, both spiritual and secular. 

The movie is a bit too long, but Johnson still keeps the audience guessing while the puzzle comes together. As usual, he gives every actor a chance to shine as well. 

O’Connor and Close are highlights, along with scene-stealing potential suspects Andrew Scott and Daryl McCormack. Bridget Everett also excels as a construction company employee who gets roped into the saga; she and O’Connor share the film’s best scene.

Both Wake Up Dead Man and another Netflix awards contender, Frankenstein, are worth seeing on the big screen. While this movie doesn’t reach the heights of Guillermo del Toro’s creature feature, it’s another quality entry in Johnson’s modern-day Agatha Christie series.

Now in theaters, streaming on Netflix December 12