Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

“It is time to discover what this flock of wicked wolves is hiding.”

Cryptic, intertwined and pastoral, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is the most thematically rich Benoit Blanc mystery yet which unthreads a miraculous mystery of faith and doubt in an enthrallingly assembled whodunnit that is the series’ best case yet and one of the best films of the year.

Discussion Points:

After the wonderfully classic Knives Out and the playfully satirical Glass Onion, the latest Benoit Blanc mystery sees writer-director Rian Johnson carefully threading his thematic needle to weave a tight tapestry of gothic, spiritual, faithful mystery amidst ministry that tastefully critiques the wolves amidst the shepherds. The result is one of the best films in recent memory to dissect faith from farce. It never mocks the Gospel. In fact, far from it as Johnson seems to understand the truth of Jesus, amidst a world that corrupts and stands against the truths of the Cross. Josh O’Connor is marvellous as the films true lead Jud Duplenticy, who drives this story of redemption and repentance, whilst accompanied by the ever skeptical Benoit Blanc, featuring Craig’s best turn in the role yet. As is to be expected, the ensemble is sharp, with Glenn Close and Josh Brolin as key standouts, and the script even sharper, as this faltering flock of churchgoers comes into conflict with the young priest determined to actually disciple not just indulge and control them. Amidst all the clever reveals and interwoven intrigue, is a story about hope, faith, grace and mercy - and Johnson’s directorial eye cleverly uses light and dark as thematic visual cues to further enrich this emotionally mature mystery. The less said the better about the way the cryptic conundrum unfolds, but be assured, that what seems impossible, is ultimately unraveled in a satisfying and somber finale. Can’t wait for the next case!