A shadow falls over a small town, a chilling prelude to Benoit Blanc’s most intricate case yet. Daniel Craig returns as the master detective, stepping into a world where faith and suspicion intertwine, and a murder threatens to unravel deeply held secrets. This isn’t just another whodunnit; it’s a descent into the heart of human culpability.
Director Rian Johnson deliberately grounds this third installment, “Wake Up Dead Man,” after the expansive scope of “Glass Onion.” He sought a story where the complexities of morality – often explored within the context of religious belief – collide with the stark reality of a violent crime. The result is a captivating tension, a puzzle box of guilt and innocence waiting to be unlocked.
The film centers around Reverend Judd Duplenticy, played by Josh O’Connor, a young, flawed man seeking redemption in a quiet parish. His arrival is marked by an immediate entanglement in a shocking murder – his eccentric superior, Monsignor Wicks, is found dead. Suddenly, the reverend finds himself the prime suspect, desperately needing a champion.
Johnson reveals the character of Judd was born from a personal exploration of faith. Initially, he poured his fondest memories of his own Christian upbringing into the role, but quickly realized a purely virtuous character lacked the necessary conflict. The challenge became crafting a man wrestling with inner demons, a human being capable of both grace and darkness.
Enter Benoit Blanc. The detective’s arrival isn’t a rescue, but a catalyst. Judd, identifying as a “proud heretic,” sees Blanc as his unlikely savior, a beacon of reason in a town consumed by mistrust. Their dynamic, Johnson points out, is a classic buddy-cop setup – two ideologically opposed figures united by a common goal, navigating a treacherous path.
The supporting cast is a gallery of suspicious characters, each harboring their own secrets. Kerry Washington embodies Vera, an uptight lawyer; Mila Kunis is Geraldine, a newly separated police chief; Jeremy Renner portrays Dr. Nat, grappling with personal turmoil. Glenn Close delivers a performance as Martha, a fiercely loyal parishioner, while Cailee Spaeny brings a poignant vulnerability to Simone, a former concert cellist.
The actors themselves found resonance with the film’s themes. Spaeny connected with Simone’s yearning for community and understanding, while Kunis embraced the freedom of playing the “least religious character.” Washington, fresh from writing her memoir, explored the complexities of family and belonging through her character, Vera.
Daryl McCormack’s portrayal of Cy, Vera’s ambitious brother, is particularly striking. He embodies a modern archetype – a man chasing relevance through increasingly outlandish ideologies. McCormack notes the character’s relevance has only grown since filming, highlighting a disturbing trend of political opportunism and fervent belief in misinformation.
Andrew Scott, known for his nuanced performances, plays Lee Ross, a reclusive sci-fi author. He appreciates the character’s originality and independent spirit, even playfully poking fun at his own fashion choices. The ensemble, as a whole, created a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere on set, forging genuine connections that extended beyond their roles.
Daniel Craig’s portrayal of Benoit Blanc continues to evolve, showcasing his remarkable range. Johnson emphasizes that he recognized Craig’s comedic talent long before Bond, seeing an actor capable of infinite nuance. He delights in teasing glimpses of Blanc’s personal life, hinting at a rich history beyond the cases he solves.
However, Johnson firmly dismisses the idea of a Blanc origin story. The detective’s allure lies in his mystery, his function as the central figure in a compelling whodunnit. He prefers to sprinkle subtle clues about Blanc’s past, enriching the narrative without diminishing the core focus.
“Wake Up Dead Man” isn’t simply a murder mystery; it’s a character study, a meditation on faith, and a thrilling exploration of human nature. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling, and a captivating addition to the “Knives Out” universe. The film arrives in select cinemas and streams exclusively on Netflix, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.
