Rian Johnson, recognized for his skills in crafting intricate mysteries, has described his latest film,
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,”
as his most challenging screenplay to date, highlighting the unique Rian Johnson movie writing challenges he faced. This new installment, which completes the Knives Out trilogy, pushes both the story and its creator into complex territory by addressing layered themes of faith, morality, and corruption.
Exploring Deeper Themes in the Newest Knives Out Film
Following the critical and commercial success of 2019’s “Knives Out” and 2022’s “Glass Onion,” Johnson returns with a third mystery, once again featuring Daniel Craig as Detective Benoit Blanc. The series is known for casting a spotlight on corruption and hypocrisy among the wealthy, and this latest film stands out by weaving in nuanced discussions around religion and the way faith is interpreted and manipulated.
Throughout his interview with Todd Gilchrist for ScreenRant, Johnson shed light on the particular hurdles of penning this script. Unlike his tenure with the “Star Wars” franchise, Johnson found the construction of “Wake Up Dead Man” to be especially difficult because of its ambitious themes. Detective Benoit Blanc faces fresh challenges in this story, navigating a case that tests not only his intellect, but also his understanding of human beliefs and motivations.
Johnson Reflects on the Difficulties of Scriptwriting
When asked if experience made the process easier, Johnson candidly responded,
“You’d think it’d get easier, but it don’t. [Laughs] It’s not; it’s getting harder. This was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever written – not just of these movies, but ever. This one was really, really tough.”
– Rian Johnson, Director
Johnson clarified that the core detective aspect—the puzzle-building and logistics of a whodunit mystery—no longer presents the greatest difficulty for him as a writer. He compared it to working through a crossword, stating,
“But I don’t know how much of it had to do with the puzzle element of it, because that’s just a bit like doing a crossword puzzle. As a writer, you can figure that out.”
– Rian Johnson, Director
The Challenge of Portraying Faith with Nuance
The director goes further, emphasizing that the real test this time was the film’s approach to faith.
“The real challenge with this one was that it tries to have a multifaceted conversation about faith in the context of this big, entertaining murder mystery. That’s something really personal to me, and it’s something I wanted to get right.”
– Rian Johnson, Director
The story centers around Father Jud, played by Josh O’Connor, a new priest seeking to promote compassion and forgiveness in his congregation, values he credits with transforming his own life. His character’s ideals are immediately contrasted with those of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, portrayed by Josh Brolin, who uses authority and fear to maintain his hold over followers. Their conflicting worldviews set the stage for an explosive mystery when Wicks is killed under mysterious circumstances, and Jud becomes the prime suspect.
Detective Blanc Faces a Test of Faith and Character
As Detective Benoit Blanc—depicted by Daniel Craig—investigates the murder, he finds himself in dialogue with Jud about the nature of faith, forgiveness, and personal conviction. Blanc, an avowed atheist, encounters perspectives that challenge his rational approach and prompt introspection about the influence of spirituality within the community and the investigation itself. Their conversations reveal divergent understandings of what the church offers individuals and society.
Johnson explained his intent:
“I wanted the movie to genuinely come at this topic and not just tiptoe around it to not offend anyone,”
– Rian Johnson, Director. He also made clear his desire for subtlety, adding,
“At the same time, I wanted it to have a generous spirit and not to feel didactic or finger-wagging, or like it had a message.”
– Rian Johnson, Director
The script, according to Johnson, required meticulous revision. As he put it,
“a lot of writing and rewriting and then rewriting the rewriting.”
– Rian Johnson, Director
The Story and Cast: Characters at the Heart of the Mystery
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”
stands out for its ensemble cast. Daniel Craig leads as Benoit Blanc, whose logical mind is set against the emotional and faith-driven Reverend Jud Duplenticy, played by Josh O’Connor. Josh Brolin’s portrayal of Monsignor Wicks adds another dimension to the story, as his authoritative use of religion influences those around him and deepens the investigation. The characters’ varied beliefs drive the plot and the moral conflicts that define the film.
The narrative’s interplay between religious conviction, skepticism, and the pursuit of truth creates an atmosphere filled with conflicting motivations, compelling audiences to grapple with many sides of a complex issue. Through their clashing viewpoints, the story examines not just who committed the crime, but why belief can be both a force for healing and a weapon of control.
Reception and Implications for Johnson’s Work
Despite the film’s challenging subject matter and nuanced script, early critical receptions suggest Johnson’s efforts have paid off. Audiences and critics alike have responded positively to this installment, appreciating its willingness to explore moral ambiguity without sacrificing the fun of a classic whodunit.
As Rian Johnson continues to push the boundaries of his storytelling,
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”
cements his reputation for tackling demanding creative challenges. This film not only extends the Benoit Blanc saga but brings deeper questions about faith, forgiveness, and integrity to the forefront of contemporary mystery cinema, making it a standout example of Rian Johnson movie writing challenges met head-on.
