In film and TV, the ‘impossible murder’ is presented as a perfect crime – a key opportunity for sleuths to pit their wits against a group of suspects only to extravagantly solve the case. It is the MacGuffin that has driven many whodunnits, including Rian Johnson’s Knives Out films. And now, private detective Benoit Blanc is back in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Daniel Craig reprises his role as Blanc, who is brought in to solve the murder of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), a priest in Chimney Rock, New York. While suspicion falls on Father Jud (Josh O’Connor), Blanc teams up with the young priest to uncover the mystery.
With a well-executed thump, Jud eloquently sets the scene. Sent to Chimney Rock as a ‘fresh start’, as well as a chance to prove himself as a priest, he is eager to take up the position as assistant pastor in a setting reminiscent of Midsomer Murders. All seems okay until Wicks proves to be a sanctimonious prick, who revels in the power of his influence and the fear he instills among his parish. God forbid anyone should cross him, scaring away newcomers while his words test the mettle of his parishioners, which include Wicks’ right-hand woman Martha (Glenn Close) and the church’s groundskeeper Samson (Thomas Haden Church). It is not until the crime has been committed that Jud (and the audience) properly sees Blanc, who is brought in by local police chief Geraldine (Mila Kunis) to investigate Wicks’ death.
By this point, Wicks has painted himself as a pretty crappy person. While his antagonism towards Jud is clear, his sermons are filled with strong words that betray his misogynistic views that have been fed by his ‘harlot whore’ of a mother. These views are seemingly reflected among his core group of parishioners that see the women are noticeably resigned to lacklustre roles. Martha is a mother-figure to Wicks, lawyer Vera (Kerry Washington) is forced into a maternal role by her late father, and former cellist Simone (Cailee Spaeny) is now resigned to a wheelchair. Meanwhile, the male characters, ranging from failed-politician-turned-Youtuber Cy (Daryl McCormack) and struggling sci-fi author Lee Ross (Andrew Scott) steer towards conspiracy, hate and misinformation for their own selfish reasons. When combined with themes such as greed and classism (reminiscent of the previous Knives Out films), it results in Jud’s simmering anger towards Wicks – only for this to make him suspect #1 in the parishioners’ eyes. But when Blanc appears, this becomes more than a murder – for Jud, it is a test of faith. Still plagued by his past, the case shapes into a journey of self-discovery to determine his true path to redemption while proving his innocence. It is this conviction that elevates Jud from a bumbling assistant into the ray of sunshine that this toxic parish needs.
After two bouts as Benoit Blanc, Craig settles back into the role with ease, eloquently assessing the scene with quiet glances and a sense of humour that is both dark yet hilarious. Meanwhile, O’Connor shines as the ruffled and easily spooked Jud, whose comedic skills should be noted for future projects. Whether it is speeches with chucklesome fierceness or heartfelt scenes with gentle compassion, Jud makes an endearing sidekick who is eager to find the truth, just like Marta Cabrera and Helen Brand before him. The supporting cast also delivers with different degrees of sass and incredulity – standouts include Close as the devout yet quietly unsettling Martha and Washington who, in a key scene, channels Olivia Pope into an understated yet jaw-dropping scene.
Johnson’s narrative blends comedy jump-scares and twists that shapes this impossible murder into a dark and deep gothic drama. He also isn’t afraid to make jabs at things such as DOGE and influencers, reinforcing the power of needless hate, before countering it with Jud’s heartfelt crisis and his comedic dynamic with Blanc. This tonal balance allows Johnson to expand on the British procedural drama with a Hollywood flourish, and the result is as compelling and fun as Blanc’s first outing.
Johnson delivers a hat-trick with Wake Up Dead Man as his latest Benoit Blanc mystery brings intrigue and entertainment in spades. While Craig is consistently on top form, O’Connor is the true hero here.
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Director: Rian Johnson
Stars: Daniel Craig, Josh Brolin, Andrew Scott, Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, Thomas Haden Church
Runtime: 140 minutes
Country: USA
