“Wake Up Dead Man!” the third installment in Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” mystery film series, was released in a select number of theaters before debuting on Netflix on Dec. 12. While it may not be the final entry in the franchise, it is my favorite so far. The film excels in multiple areas from its layered murder mystery to its cinematography and its thoughtful use of religion all of which help “Wake Up Dead Man!” stand apart from its predecessors.
Daniel Craig returns as fan-favorite detective Benoit Blanc, investigating the murder of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, a seemingly “impossible case,” though not for Blanc. Audiences have seen him solve similar mysteries twice before. What sets this film apart is its setting and supporting cast, whose collective energy elevates the story and brings the film together.
Josh O’Connor is the centerpiece of the film, delivering a confident and compelling performance. His portrayal is so strong that it feels awards-worthy by the film’s conclusion. O’Connor plays Father Judd, a former boxer turned Catholic priest who works under Monsignor Wicks, played by Josh Brolin. Wicks is portrayed as a deeply cruel man who rules the church through anger rather than hope, controlling others with empty promises and guilt methods Judd fundamentally rejects. For much of the film’s first act, Benoit Blanc is absent, allowing O’Connor to captivate the audience as the story unfolds largely from Judd’s perspective. Judd carries the burden of having killed a man in the boxing ring and spends his life attempting to atone for the harm he caused.
The supporting cast is introduced in classic Rian Johnson fashion, with each character positioned as a possible suspect in Wicks’ murder. They include Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close), Wicks’ most loyal servant, who has worked at the church since childhood; groundskeeper Samson Holt (Thomas Haden Church), a quiet man whom Wicks helped save from alcoholism; Dr. Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner), who lost his wife and children and now turns to alcohol to cope; Lee Ross (Andrew Scott), a former hit writer turned conspiracy theorist; Simone (Cailee Spaeny), a former cellist who believes Wicks can cure her chronic back pain; and Vera Draven (Kerry Washington), who resents caring for her half-brother Cy (Daryl McCormack), a failed politician obsessed with boosting his career through social media. Mila Kunis also appears as the town sheriff, assisting Blanc in the investigation.
Father Judd quickly becomes the prime suspect, though fans of the first two films may suspect he is being framed. One of the franchise’s strengths is how it invites viewers to solve the mystery alongside the characters. O’Connor conveys Judd’s guilt with remarkable nuance. Glenn Close is another standout, delivering a powerful performance as Delacroix. Her fierce loyalty to Wicks remains unwavering even after his death, and her backstory unfolds meaningfully throughout the film.
One particularly affecting scene involves a phone conversation between Father Judd and Louise, a construction worker. Louise asks Judd to pray for her because her mother is ill and they are no longer on speaking terms. The moment is simple but deeply revealing, highlighting Judd’s compassion and belief in faith as a source of comfort. Even as Judd and Blanc work to solve the case, he prioritizes prayer, spending hours offering support. Johnson resists portraying religion as manipulative here, instead presenting it as a genuine source of solace, even for those who struggle with belief.
While the “Knives Out” films are often labeled whodunits, they are ultimately more concerned with motive than mystery alone. Each film explores why characters might commit such acts, giving the supporting cast room to shine while encouraging audiences to empathize with those accused. Some may view the plot of “Wake Up Dead Man!” as simpler than previous entries, but that simplicity makes it more engaging. While “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” leaned heavily into spectacle, this installment opts for restraint, and the change of pace works to its advantage.
