LOS ANGELES, Nov. 24 (UPI) — Wake Up Dead Man, arriving in theaters Wednesday, proves that the Knives Out franchise can still surprise. The third entry maintains the sharp humor and layered mystery fans expect, while bringing a deeper emotional core and a bold thematic twist.
A Mystery Rooted in Faith, Sin, and Moral Conflict
Josh O’Connor stars as Rev. Jud Duplenticy, a priest reassigned to a Chimney Rock, N.Y., parish after assaulting another clergyman. The parish is led by the unpredictable Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), whose death triggers the arrival of detective Benoit Blanc—played once again with perfect charm by Daniel Craig.
With the murder taking place inside a church community, writer-director Rian Johnson uses faith as a narrative lens without mocking religion. Wicks’ rough-edged personality and provocative style contrast with the sincerity of Jud’s beliefs, offering a thoughtful back-and-forth between logic and faith, guilt and redemption.
Blanc openly critiques religion’s misogyny, homophobia, and history of violence, while Jud argues that spiritual stories carry value even when institutions fail. Their clash—and unexpected camaraderie—gives the film a compelling emotional hook.
Compassion as a Central Theme
Despite Jud’s troubled past, the film treats him as a man who still serves others. Throughout the investigation, he pauses to comfort people, pray with them, and uphold his pastoral duties. His belief in compassion for the guilty aligns perfectly with this film’s more reflective tone.
A Self-Aware Mystery Filled With Genre Nods
Johnson again embraces meta humor and literary references. A church book club reveals influences familiar to mystery lovers—from Agatha Christie titles to John Dickson Carr’s The Hollow Man, which heavily shapes this film’s intricate crime setup.
Though the film occasionally takes its time, especially in the first act, the mystery ultimately snaps together with Johnson’s signature craftsmanship. Blanc doesn’t appear until roughly 40 minutes in—an unusually long delay—but once the pieces connect, the narrative finds its rhythm.
A Big Ensemble With Plenty to Chew On
The film introduces a large, memorable cast including:
- Glenn Close as Martha, a lifelong church member
- Jeremy Renner as Dr. Nat Sharp, a divorced alcoholic doctor
- Kerry Washington as lawyer Vera Draven, caring for her influencer brother Cy (Daryl McCormack)
- Andrew Scott as author Lee Ross, desperate for inspiration
- Cailee Spaeny as Simone Vivane, a former musician in chronic pain
- Mila Kunis as Chief Geraldine Scott, the local officer
- Thomas Haden Church as Samson, the groundskeeper
Once the narrative settles, these characters shine, each contributing to a rich whodunnit atmosphere that balances humor with emotional depth.
Distinct From the Last Two Films—But Still Knives Out at Its Core
Wake Up Dead Man may not be as twist-heavy as Glass Onion, but its thematic depth, exploration of spiritual conflict, and strong ensemble performances set it apart in the franchise. The film delivers both entertainment and resonance—an evolution that strengthens the Knives Out universe rather than reinventing it.
The film will begin streaming on Netflix (hyperlink: Netflix official site) on December 12.
