Rian Johnson’s 'Wake Up Dead Man' Trades Greek Sun for Gothic Shadow in Convoluted Mystery

The third installment in Rian Johnson's Knives Out series, Wake Up Dead Man, attempts a stylistic pivot, exchanging the sprawling Greek Island opulence of Glass Onion for the contained, neo-Gothic atmosphere of a small Catholic church and rectory in upstate New York. The film initially promises a return to the tight, contained pleasures of the first entry, blending elements reminiscent of G.K. Chesterton's amateur sleuth Father Brown with the impossible crime structure of a John Dickson Carr novel. Moreover, the narrative contains a thinly veiled political commentary, slyly taking aim at a contemporary leader who consolidates power by fueling anger and fear.

The investigation is once again led by Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), the suave Southern gentleman known for his stylish attire, exaggerated drawl, and flashes of keen intellect. Blanc forms an unexpected and delightful partnership with Father Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor), a former boxer-turned-priest who finds himself entangled as both a murder suspect and a Watson to Blanc’s Sherlock Holmes. The two British actors spark off one another with infectious enjoyment, establishing a relaxed rapport as they dig for clues.

Father Jud's arrival at Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude is a disciplinary measure; he was reassigned after breaking the jaw of an "asshole deacon" whom nobody particularly liked. He is slated to be the assistant priest under Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin). Before taking the post, an unbilled senior church official, played with dry humor by a highly sought-after actor, warns Father Jud that the Monsignor is known to be "a few beads short of a full rosary." This proves an understatement when the young, self-described "young, dumb and full of Christ" priest first encounters Monsignor Wicks’ unsettling intensity and hears his eyebrow-raising confession.

The church and rectory are peopled by a colorful collection of characters who become both the parishioners and the suspects:

• Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close), a devout believer who serves as the Monsignor's indispensable factotum, handling everything from accounting and filing to organ playing and vestment laundering. Her entrance is priceless, and she, along with Brolin, is a standout among the starry cast.

• Town Doctor Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner).

• Successful Attorney Vera Draven (Kerry Washington).

• Bestselling Author Lee Ross (Andrew Scott), whose professional stock has recently plummeted.

• Accomplished Cellist Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny), whose career was tragically halted by a chronic nerve condition that left her in a wheelchair.

• Failed Politician Cy Draven (Daryl McCormack), who is constantly armed with a small camera and microphone to capture content for YouTube. McCormack, in particular, channels a fascinating, precise similarity to a young Jeff Goldblum.

• Longtime Groundskeeper Samson Holt (Thomas Haden Church), who has a relationship with Martha.

• Later, they are joined by local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis), who, though somewhat skeptical of Blanc’s methods, ultimately provides him with full support.

While the magnetism of the actors biting into these colorful parts is undeniable, the film ultimately fails to make equal use of its deluxe cast. With the exception of Close and Brolin, the rest of the ensemble is given too little depth, suggesting Johnson may be overly focused on recruiting the highest number of stars—an approach that requires better execution.

Despite a very funny and promising start, the mystery soon becomes too clever and convoluted for its own good, causing the film to lose its initial fizz almost as soon as the formal investigation begins. The overly long movie suffers from a significant loss of momentum, even as Craig and O’Connor develop their engaging rapport while searching for clues.

The setting introduces theological themes concerning faith, resurrection, desecration, and the nature of miracles, with frequent references to Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden. These shadings are especially relevant to Father Jud, who believes discovering Christianity saved his life.

The mystery is catalyzed by a conflict between the priests. Father Jud quickly bristles at Monsignor Wicks’ views on spreading God's love; Wicks uses fiery homilies to target congregation members weekly, pushing for a walkout. When Father Jud confronts him, the Monsignor scoffs that a push for kindness has failed, arguing that only by instilling fear and anger can they protect their "sacred institution."

This argument drives the film's pointed political commentary, which is less subtle than the commentary on wealth inequality in the previous Knives Out movies. Here, Johnson directly targets strongmen leaders who co-opt religion to spread hate and consolidate power.

When Father Jud organizes a prayer meeting without informing the Monsignor, the loyal, scandalized parishioners—particularly Martha—text their boss, sending the Monsignor on the warpath. A murder soon occurs practically under everyone’s noses, and the group quickly points fingers at Father Jud despite a lack of evidence. Benoit Blanc, who appears mysteriously at the scene, is not easily convinced, deeming the murder an "impossible crime."

As is typical of Johnson’s work, Wake Up Dead Man is a handsome film, featuring sharp cinematography by Steve Yedlin, richly detailed production design by Rick Heinrichs, and character-enhancing costumes by Jenny Eagan.

The wrap-up provides Blanc with his moment, during which he delivers his denouement from an actual elevated pulpit, illuminated by a theatrical shaft of "heavenly light." He grabs the spotlight back with a hilarious Phantom of the Opera gag before concluding his lengthy explanation—necessary because the complexity of the case causes Blanc to question his previously unshakeable belief in rationality, forcing him to momentarily cede the spotlight during the intrigue.

Though the film is uneven and doesn't serve its deluxe cast equally, it is revelatory as a vehicle for Josh O’Connor. The actor is currently enjoying a remarkable streak of diverse performances, and his work here further cements his standing as one of the most versatile and reliably excellent actors working today.