What to Know About the Murder and Suspects in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

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Prior to the debut showing of “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” at the Toronto International Film Festival, director Rian Johnson cautioned that this film wouldn’t follow the exact pattern of the prior two films in the series.

“We’re going back to church,” he said. 

As a movie enthusiast, I must admit that Johnson’s latest offering, “Wake Up Dead Man,” veers away from the charming whodunits of “Knives Out” (2019) and the glitzy satire of “Glass Onion” (2022). Instead, this film delves into the haunting realm of gothic horror. The humor is still present, but it’s tinged with a darker, more sinister undertone, as it explores profound themes about faith and its significance.

Interestingly, Daniel Craig’s beloved southern detective Benoit Blanc steps somewhat into the shadows in this film, allowing the narrative to unfold in a unique way. Mark your calendars for November, as the movie will grace the big screen before making its debut on Netflix on December 12th.

What’s the set up? 

The story unfolds in the small fictional town of Chimney Rock, upstate New York, home to Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude Catholic parish. Here, the troubled Father Jud Duplenticy (played by Josh O’Connor) is relocated following an altercation at his previous posting. Overseeing this church is Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (portrayed by Josh Brolin), a man known for his harsh and manipulative nature. In their first confession, Wicks candidly discusses his frequent self-indulgence. The church was once under the control of Wick’s grandfather, who humiliated Wick’s mother by calling her a “prostitute.” Father Jud and Monsignor Wicks’ relationship is strained from the start, as they have contrasting views on faith – Jud sees it as redeeming, having found solace in it after causing the death of a fellow boxer during his youth, while Wick employs shame in his sermons. Wick also has a devout following who listen intently to his teachings. However, Good Friday is marred by a murder, leading to the arrival of detective Benoit Blanc.

Who are the suspects? 

Once again, an exceptional ensemble of potential characters comes into play. O’Connor’s Jud and Brolin’s rival priests make their appearance, but there is also a following of Wicks devotees. Glenn Close portrays Martha, a woman who has served Perpetual Fortitude since she was young, dressed in all black, managing the church’s records. She is admired by Samson, the faithful groundskeeper played by Thomas Haden Church. Among the followers, we have Jeremy Renner as Nat Sharp, a doctor struggling after his wife left him and who has been influenced by Wicks to foster misogyny. Kerry Washington portrays Vera Draven, a lawyer with a close relationship to Wicks. Her father also entrusted her with the care of his illegitimate son Cy (Daryl McCormack), an aspiring GOP star who uses any political rhetoric to climb up the ladder. Andrew Scott brings humor as Lee Ross, a once beloved science fiction writer seeking solitude in this remote location to escape the “liberal establishment.” Lastly, Cailee Spaeny plays a gifted cellist tormented by chronic pain. She turns to Wick in hope of finding a miracle for her condition.

How does Benoit Blanc figure in?

In the movie “Wake Up Dead Man”, Blanc is summoned to town for a murder investigation, but instead of taking center stage, the story predominantly revolves around Craig and O’Connor, making it more of a conversation between these two characters. Interestingly, Blanc’s role in this film is smaller than in any other installments, with Father Jud becoming the primary focus. In fact, the script appears to be heavily influenced by O’Connor’s moral journey. He is a complex character who battles internal struggles with anger and hatred while deeply holding onto his faith. Unlike Wicks, who uses fear as a tool for control, Father Jud understands the importance of belief as a source of comfort for humans. Although Blanc assists in solving the mystery, it is Father Jud’s character that truly captures our attention.

What are its influences? 

Johnson made it clear during his opening remarks that “Wake Up Dead Man” was inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, a renowned figure in the mystery genre. In a subsequent Q&A session after the screening, he admitted to drawing inspiration from the Father Brown mysteries penned by G. K. Chesterton as well. He described this combination as a perfect match, citing shared themes of human vulnerability and fallibility often found in murder mysteries. The movie serves as something of a study guide, with Blanc enacting scenes from John Dickson Carr’s “The Hollow Man” to demonstrate the complexities of the crime. Interestingly, this film is also part of a book club reading list that includes several books by Agatha Christie, a recurring influence in these movies.

Why this swerve?

Instead of the brisk tone of “Wake Up Dead Man,” the film offers a more introspective exploration compared to other Knives Out movies. It invites viewers into profound contemplations about human motivations behind religious commitment. At a Q&A, Johnson shared that during the premiere of Glass Onion, he and Craig mused over the idea of their third collaboration featuring a grimmer tone and a more realistic approach. This shift aims to demonstrate the diversity within these films, although it might be the last one for some time. Netflix acquired only two sequels to Knives Out as part of its $450 million deal in 2021. In July, Johnson told Rolling Stone that he currently lacks an idea for a fourth film, but is open to continue the series as long as possible.

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2025-09-08 13:57