Rian Johnson Knives Out Mystery returns with
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,”
which brings an ambitious and darker turn to the franchise as it delves into themes of faith and power. The film premiered in theaters before its December 12 release on Netflix, inviting audiences into a suspenseful drama set against the troubled echoes of a New York parish, with Daniel Craig reprising his role as Benoit Blanc.
Unlike previous films, which skewered societal classes and family fortunes, this chapter shifts focus toward religious authority. Rian Johnson, known for his sharp cultural insights, leverages a star-studded cast to interrogate the dynamics of faith with both intensity and satire. However, this ambitious scope brings mixed pacing and a heavier, more complex tone, challenging both fans and the conventions of the murder-mystery genre.
A Darker Script and Ensemble Cast Shake Up the Formula
In
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,”
viewers see Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc at the periphery while a new ensemble takes the initial spotlight. Josh O’Connor brings depth to the role of Jud Duplenticy, a young and earnest Catholic priest, whose background as a former boxer and struggle with his own past animates the film’s opening. The story unfolds in and around Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude, a church led by Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, a domineering presence skillfully portrayed by Josh Brolin.
The parish is marked by internal conflict and a stark division of ideals. O’Connor’s Jud Duplenticy preaches compassion, calling himself
“young, dumb and full of Christ,”
as he tries to guide his congregation with kindness. But his efforts stand in direct contrast to Brolin’s Monsignor Wicks, a priest whose leadership style is rooted in fear, shame, and a rigid sense of order. Tension escalates rapidly as the young priest accuses his superior of spreading toxicity within the church, setting up a collision between faith and power that drives the narrative into darker domains.
Clashing Philosophies and an Unusual Investigation
Monsignor Wicks’s sudden, suspicious death transforms the narrative into a classic locked-room whodunit, calling Benoit Blanc into action. As the seasoned detective, Blanc describes the scenario as the “Holy Grail” of crime fiction. Suspense tightens as suspicion falls on numerous characters, each portrayed by a notable star—Glenn Close as the monsignor’s loyal secretary, Jeremy Renner as a troubled doctor, Thomas Haden Church as the aloof groundskeeper, Andrew Scott as a fading sci-fi novelist, Cailee Spaeny as a musician troubled by pain, Daryl McCormack as a fiery political figure, and Kerry Washington as the monsignor’s resentful caregiver.
As evidence accumulates and motives unravel, the investigation explores more than the mechanics of crime. The relationship between the young priest and Blanc takes center stage, revealing clashing beliefs and underlying doubts about faith and human nature. Blanc, a self-described heretic who
“kneels at the altar of the practical,”
sees religion as narrative control, contrasting sharply with Duplenticy’s genuine beliefs. This dynamic serves as both narrative fuel and thematic centerpiece, as each character is forced to confront personal convictions while the case unfolds.
Layering Satire, Social Critique, and Unpredictability
Johnson infuses the film with trademark humor and references to pop culture, blending operatic performances with sly commentary. Scenes are peppered with winking nods—from jabs at Netflix itself to jokes about icons like Oprah and theatrical references such as “The Phantom of the Opera.” Moments of dark comedy are juxtaposed against a backdrop of increasingly stormy drama, including a suspect list as complex as the twisted history of the parish itself.
At the core of the story is Jud Duplenticy, torn between his duties as a spiritual guide and his drive to uncover the truth behind the monsignor’s death. His journey is complicated by escalating suspicions—especially when the town’s police chief, played by Mila Kunis, sees the young priest as the prime suspect. The film’s extended runtime and dense narrative structure at times test viewer patience, as threads of critique on religious hypocrisy and moral ambiguity compete for attention with the central mystery.
A Resurrection Twist Challenges Viewers
The storyline takes an unexpected turn when Monsignor Wicks appears to return from the dead after spending three days in a crypt. This event echoes core Christian teachings about resurrection but is delivered with a layer of irony that characterizes Johnson’s take on sacred traditions. The twist both perplexes characters in the film and stands as a pointed critique of the power held by those who manipulate faith and belief.
This move deepens the film’s exploration of manipulation within groups and the cult of personality, themes that Johnson has previously touched on but brings to the foreground here. As the mystery nears its climax, the vulnerable boundaries between belief, truth, and authority are laid bare for both characters and audience.
Cinematic Craft Meets Thematic Heaviness
Despite its narrative ambition and strong performances,
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”
carries the weight of its satirical and social commentary, sometimes at the expense of pacing and coherence. The franchise’s familiar tropes—the eccentric detective, the oddball suspects, and the locked-room puzzle—remain intact but interwoven with existential questions and critiques of institutional power.
The chemistry between cast members, especially O’Connor and Craig, provides moments of levity and human connection. However, the film’s relentless layering of suspense and social critique results in a somewhat uneven experience, making this entry feel at once ambitious and overextended. Johnson’s creative risk-taking adds intensity but leaves the film teetering between compelling drama and overwrought satire.
Release Details and What to Expect Next
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”
is rated PG-13 for its violent scenes, strong language, and mature themes. With a running time of 140 minutes, the film’s theatrical debut is followed by its streaming release on Netflix on December 12. Fans of the earlier installments will find familiar faces and new characters drawn into Johnson’s web of intrigue, but should anticipate a more somber and thought-provoking approach this time around.
The film’s conclusion delivers closure, though its journey may feel laborious for some. As the franchise ventures into deeper and more controversial territory, the third installment serves as a turning point, raising questions about the limits of satire and the enduring appeal of classic detective tales. The future of Rian Johnson’s Knives Out Mystery universe now rests on whether audiences embrace this darker, more complex chapter—or yearn for a return to the spirited storytelling that first defined its appeal.
Recent Additions in Streaming: A Broader Entertainment Context
Beyond the latest Knives Out story, the current week also brings prominent new releases and returning favorites to streaming platforms. Among these, George Clooney headlines “Jay Kelly” on Netflix, playing a movie star wrestling with regrets and family issues. Adam Sandler and Laura Dern round out the cast in this drama described as a “love letter to Hollywood” by AP’s Mark Kennedy. The film intertwines reality and fiction, offering a self-examining narrative centered on family bonds and the shifting nature of fame.
Action fans can look forward to
“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,”
available on Paramount+. With Tom Cruise reprising his role as Ethan Hunt, the film promises high-stakes adventure and dramatic closure to an eight-part franchise. AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr notes that the series, celebrated for its lighter tones, now takes on graver themes, sometimes tipping into unintentional humor.
Other platform offerings include “The Abandons,” a Netflix Western led by women, and the latest entry in Nintendo’s enduring Metroid series, “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.” These releases highlight the continually evolving landscape of entertainment, offering an array of stories and genres to contrast the complex tone of the new Knives Out installment.
Significance and Cultural Impact Going Forward
The latest Rian Johnson Knives Out Mystery marks a bold step for the popular series, shifting its lens from social satire to spiritual interrogation. By tackling the intersection of faith, authority, and truth, the film broadens the scope of what a mainstream murder mystery can achieve. The result is a work that is layered, passionate, and sometimes divisive, pushing the series into uncharted creative and thematic territory.
Whether this direction resonates with audiences or prompts a call for return to lighter fare will influence both the future of Johnson’s franchise and wider trends in cinematic storytelling. For now,
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”
stands as both a continuation and a transformation, testing the adaptability and boundaries of the whodunit genre while reflecting contemporary complexities for viewers worldwide.
