Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
When young priest Jud Duplenticy is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, it’s clear that all is not well in the pews. After a sudden and seemingly impossible murder rocks the town, the lack of an obvious suspect prompts local police chief Geraldine Scott to join forces with renowned detective Benoit Blanc to unravel a mystery that defies all logic.
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HYPETV Review
Alright, my fellow film fanatics, let's talk about 2025 – specifically, about "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery." Rian Johnson is back, Daniel Craig is back as Benoit Blanc, and honestly, that alone had me at "hello." This one promises a tangled web around a young priest, Jud Duplenticy, and a charismatic Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, all culminating in a "seemingly impossible murder." Impossible? My ears perked up immediately.
First off, Johnson's directing here is, as expected, a masterclass in controlled chaos. He weaves this intricate plot for 145 minutes without ever losing the thread, or our attention. The way the narrative structure unfolds, slowly revealing layers of deception and motive, is just brilliant. It's a genuine puzzle box, and I adore how he plays with our expectations. The ensemble cast? Oh, it's a murderer's row of talent! Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis – everyone gets a moment to shine, and their performances are pitch-perfect for this quirky, high-stakes whodunit. Craig, of course, is Blanc, and his Southern charm and razor-sharp intellect are as delightful as ever. The themes of faith, deception, and the hidden darkness within seemingly pious communities are explored with a surprisingly deft hand for a comedy-mystery.
Now, for the "but." While the cast is phenomenal, with so many big names, some characters, particularly in the later acts, felt a tad underdeveloped. I wanted more depth from a few of them, especially considering the runtime. And while the mystery is genuinely perplexing, there were a couple of moments where the "impossible" felt a little too convenient, stretching the bounds of believability just a smidge. It's a minor quibble, but when a film sets such a high bar for cleverness, you notice when it dips.
Overall, "Wake Up Dead Man" is another fantastic entry into the Knives Out universe. It’s smart, it’s stylish, and it’s a whole lot of fun. The artistic merit is undeniable, from the cinematography to the sharp dialogue. Despite those tiny stumbles, this movie is a thrilling ride that will keep you guessing until the very last reveal. Go see it! You won't regret it.
