Detective Benoit Blanc returns, not to a secluded island or a lavish estate, but to a small, tightly-knit Catholic community in upstate New York. This time, the mystery isn’t about wealth or privilege, but about faith, secrets, and a shocking murder that unravels the delicate peace of a church congregation.
The latest installment, “Wake Up Dead Man,” finds Blanc, played with his signature enigmatic charm by Daniel Craig, partnering with a young, unconventional Reverend, Judd Duplenticy, portrayed by Josh O’Connor. Duplenticy, a former boxer with a troubled past, finds himself the prime suspect when the domineering Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, played by Josh Brolin, is found dead.
The film initially promises a darkly comedic exploration of hypocrisy within the church, a theme ripe for Rian Johnson’s sharp wit. The opening moments are particularly striking, with Wicks delivering a startlingly candid confession to the newly arrived Reverend, a scene that immediately establishes the film’s willingness to push boundaries.
However, the narrative soon becomes bogged down in a labyrinthine plot. A sprawling cast of characters – including Kerry Washington as a brittle lawyer, Jeremy Renner as a weary doctor, and Mila Kunis as the local police chief – are introduced as potential suspects, but their individual stories feel underdeveloped.
For a significant portion of the film, Blanc remains on the periphery, observing the unfolding drama. When he finally enters the investigation, declaring himself a “proud heretic,” it’s a welcome injection of energy, but the momentum struggles to fully recover.
The film attempts to balance the intricate mystery with moments of levity, referencing everything from Scooby Doo to Oprah’s book club recommendations. Unexpected musical cues, including a memorable sequence featuring a church organ, provide flashes of brilliance.
The dynamic between Craig and O’Connor is a highlight, their contrasting personalities creating a compelling partnership. Duplenticy, despite being the most outwardly “normal” member of the community, is desperate to clear his name, and their interplay is often genuinely engaging.
Ultimately, “Wake Up Dead Man” feels uneven. The stellar ensemble cast is underutilized, and the central mystery, while initially intriguing, loses its focus amidst a multitude of red herrings. The film’s extended runtime doesn’t serve it well, as the narrative begins to meander.
Despite its flaws, the film retains Johnson’s signature flair for playful, unserious storytelling. It’s an entertaining, if not entirely satisfying, addition to the “Knives Out” universe, offering glimpses of brilliance but ultimately falling short of its full potential. It’s a case where the promise of a truly exceptional mystery remains just beyond reach.
Blanc himself admits this might be a case he can’t solve, and that feeling of uncertainty lingers even after the final reveal.
