At this point, 2019 seems like an eternity ago, but back then, the original Knives Out was a hit in theaters before writer and director Rian Johnson brought the next two sequels to Netflix.
Now, the third film, Wake Up Dead Man, has arrived on Netflix with former James Bond actor Daniel Craig reprising his role as the famous detective, Benoit Blanc.
Not every Netflix original is worthy of the big screen, but this one is. With so many good films out now, it’s the only movie I’m streaming this weekend. Read on to find out why — and what makes it worth rewatching.
Josh O’Connor Steals ‘Wake Up Dead Man’
Craig gets top billing in the film, but Wake Up Dead Man belongs to Josh O’Connor, the talented British actor who stood out in last year’s tennis drama, Challengers. In the early part of the film, Rev. Jud Duplenticy (O’Connor) is not only the main character, but he’s also the kind of guy you would hope a man of God would be. Jud is flawed and not immune from anger, but he’s able to articulate a belief in the church’s role in society that’s more heartfelt than cynical.
O’Connor shows some comedic gifts through his hilariously understated reactions to the people he meets at his new church. In particular, keep your eyes on O’Connor as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin) gives his unhinged confession. O’Connor’s facial expressions are hilarious in that scene. Once Benoit Blanc enters the movie, Jud has to share the spotlight, but he never fades into the background. O’Connor holds his own with Craig and kind of steals the movie out from under its star.
The Supporting Cast Is Impressive
Johnson has always had a knack for attracting A-list talent to his films, and Wake Up Dead Man is no exception. Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny and Daryl McCormack play members of the local congregation, and they’re among the most likely suspects when the one person they have in common is killed. The film takes the time to let Jud get to know all of them on at least a surface level, which lets the audience understand what drives them.
Glenn Close has one of the funniest turns in the movie as Martha Delacroix, the local church lady. Her line about “rockets” is the kind of joke that doesn’t work unless you see what she’s reacting to, and it must have taken a lot for Brolin and O’Connor to keep themselves from howling with laughter when she said it. Mila Kunis is cast against type as the local police chief, Geraldine Scott, who assists Blanc in his investigation. Jeffrey Wright only has a small part as Bishop Langstrom, but he’s so charismatic that he deserves a bigger part. Thomas Haden Church also has a fun turn as the church handyman, Samson Holt, who is hopelessly devoted to Martha.
‘Wake Up Dead Man’ Is a Thoughtful and Twisty Mystery Thriller
After the first two Knives Out movies, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Johnson knows how to put together a compelling mystery. He does it again here with a victim who is pretty hard to work up any sympathy for. But the performer in question is very good in the part. Because the murder revolves around the church, Johnson took the time to address some big questions about faith, God and the very purpose of the church.
Beniot may not be a believer, but his conversations with Jud are very revealing, and they give the audience something to chew on beyond the identity of the killer. This is a very entertaining story, and hopefully not the last Knives Out movie.
Wake Up Dead Man is streaming on Netflix.
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