Rian Johnson’s “Wake Up Dead Man” Delivers a Darker, Poe-Tinged “Knives Out” Mystery
Rian Johnson’s highly anticipated third installment in the “Knives Out” series, “Wake Up Dead Man,” made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, offering a noticeably darker and more gothic take on the popular whodunit formula. While retaining the core elements that made the previous films successful, including a compelling mystery, sharp wit, and stellar ensemble cast, “Wake Up Dead Man” delves into a more sinister atmosphere reminiscent of Edgar Allan Poe, as Johnson himself acknowledged.
The film centers around a perplexing murder within a small, devout congregation in Chimney Rock, New York. A young priest, Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor), finds himself entangled in the investigation after the death occurs within his church. Jud, grappling with his faith and his past as a boxer, becomes an unexpected partner for the brilliant detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) as they navigate the murky waters of suspicion and hidden motives within the church community.
The ensemble cast shines once again, with Josh O’Connor delivering a standout performance as the conflicted priest. He expertly balances humor and desperation, playing a pivotal role in the film’s tonal shift midway through. The supporting cast, including Josh Brolin as the charismatic Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, Glenn Close, Thomas Haden Church, Kerry Washington, Daryl McCormack, Andrew Scott, Jeremy Renner, and Cailee Spaeny, each embody suspicious characters with their own secrets and motivations.
The film’s narrative unfolds methodically, initially withholding Benoit Blanc’s appearance for the first half hour. This allows the audience to engage in their own detective work, piecing together clues alongside Jud, whose voiceover narration, presented as a letter, guides the initial exposition. The setting, a picturesque yet ominous upstate New York town with its grand churches and hidden crypts, contributes to the film’s gothic atmosphere.
As the investigation progresses, the focus shifts to Monsignor Wicks and his devoted followers. Wicks, a compelling orator with a troubled past, preaches a message of exclusion and fear-mongering that resonates with his congregation, a group of individuals united by a sense of grievance and disillusionment. Johnson subtly weaves in contemporary themes of disinformation, social media echo chambers, and the allure of extremist ideologies, drawing parallels to the current socio-political landscape.
“Wake Up Dead Man” doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of faith, belief, and the power of storytelling. Benoit Blanc, a staunch rationalist, confronts the challenge of deciphering a crime rooted in unwavering belief and fervent devotion. The film skillfully balances its timely social commentary with the classic elements of a thrilling mystery, keeping the audience guessing until the very end. Johnson masterfully crafts a narrative filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations, further solidifying his command of the whodunit genre.
While the film’s social commentary might appear pointed at times, particularly in its portrayal of online radicalization, “Wake Up Dead Man” ultimately focuses on the enduring themes of truth, deception, and the power of narratives. The characters’ motivations are rooted in their desire to be seen, understood, and validated, highlighting the human tendency to shape reality according to one’s beliefs. The film probes the fine line between faith and delusion, questioning the nature of truth itself.
“Wake Up Dead Man” offers a fresh and engaging take on the “Knives Out” formula, demonstrating Johnson’s ability to adapt and evolve within the genre while retaining the core elements that resonated with audiences. The film’s darker tone, gothic setting, and thought-provoking themes provide a compelling backdrop for another thrilling mystery, solidifying the franchise’s staying power and showcasing Johnson’s mastery of suspenseful storytelling. The film is slated for a theatrical release on November 26th followed by a Netflix streaming release on December 12th.