Rian Johnson has set quite the bar for himself. ‘Knives Out’ was a massive hit. Followed by the equally solid, ‘Glass Onion’, Johnson had a gargantuan task ahead of him heading into his third film in the, as of this writing, Benoit Blanc Trilogy, ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’.
Putting together an all star ensemble cast, Johnson has rocketed passed the expectations and delivered what can only be considered a masterpiece of ‘who done it’ cinema. ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ is a well rounded, roller coaster ride of a murder mystery. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the film takes you for another loop. As much as I thought I knew what happened, I very much did not know where the film was headed. Rian Johnson has truly delivered one of the best films of the year.
Father Jud, former boxer, finds himself in a new parrish after an unfortunate serious of events that saw him throwing hands with another priest. Landing in the parrish of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, Jud becomes entangled in a serious of events that lead to the death of Wicks. An all time epic murder mystery ensues after the arrival of famed detective, Benoit Blanc. Putting their heads together, Blanc and Jud set out to solve the murder of Mons Wicks.
Johnson puts together a well formulated mystery void of any holes. The story just works. It’s political and on the nose, but not in a way that hits the audience over the head with it. The snark and tongue in cheek delivery spits in the face of the subjects it so effectively mocks, but doesn’t insult the audience by dumbing down the venom. This is what going to the movies is all about.
Masterclass in Casting
A truly wonderful story is contingent on a cast that can sell the mystery. Top to bottom, the ensemble cast put together by Johnson hit every note. Josh O’Connor nails the morally tormented Father Jud Duplenticy, providing an award worthy performance in literally the first 10 minutes of the film. His ability to portray vulnerable, but headstrong was uncanny. Proving a terrifying foil to O’Connor’s Jud, Josh Brolin portrays Monsignor Wicks with a cocky bravado that is indicative of the entitled. His sermons felt real and genuine, like they were ripped straight from a youtube preacher’s feed.
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Delivering an award worthy performance, Glenn Close is exceptional as Martha Delacroix, bookkeeper of the chuch and thus knower of all things. Her performance is truly above and beyond good. There are several scenes that will become a major part of the award conversation down the road. Any of them could be the one that nets her the gold.
Of course, the heartbeat of the ‘Knives Out’ Series is Benoit Blanc, himself, Daniel Craig. Craig is hypnotic. He ebbs and flows with the action and the mystery, acting as a chaotic conductor of sorts. He’s why audiences keep returning to the franchise. Craig has created a character that will reverberate throughout film history. Blanc is smart and arrogant, yet entirely likeable. Blanc has certainly become an icon of the modern screen.
A Shining Light
Rian Johnson’s attention to detail when it comes to his film making is second to none. There were multiple times throughout the film where I found myself quite honestly in awe of what I was watching. The way in which Johnson uses light serves as an accent, a quick punch as if he really needs you to get straight to the point. It makes for truly compelling story telling.
‘Wake Up Dead Man’ is pure cinema, evoking the spirit of the who done its that it so clearly pays homage to. Hitchcock would be proud. The film reminded me of classics such as ‘The Lady Vanishes’ and the cult classic, ‘Clue’. It was fun and it was funny. Murder mystery films have a tendency to take themselves too seriously. ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ sheds that trope and presents a truly compelling and enjoyable murder case.
Final Thought:
‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ is Rian Johnson’s magnum opus. A spectacle of a murder mystery that flips you upside down then rightside up again. Leaving me perpetually unsure of where the film was headed, ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ is one of the best times that I’ve had with a film this year.
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