Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery might be Rian Johnson’s best addition to the series, with the ever-charismatic and extremely analytical Benoit Blanc coming to the aid of the charming and kind Reverend Jud Duplenticy. Jud has a past that he’s determined to shelve, instead focusing on helping people and uniting them under Jesus. But an abhorrent and maniacal priest, Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, runs his church with fear and blackmail, creating a cult-like following behind him. As the two continuously butt heads, a sudden death renders Jud the primary suspect of a murder. Enter Benoit, whose faith in Jud’s innocence is just as strong as Jud’s belief in the prevailing kindness in people.
Wake Up Dead Man is star-studded, with Daniel Craig back as the notorious detective and Josh O’Connor at the helm as Jud. O’Connor’s performance is immaculate. Not a perfect priest, Jud is vulnerable, rough around the edges, and overflowing with sincerity. His frustration with his predicament is overt and guides his arc. But there’s a gentle understanding ever-present within him that strives to find the good in everybody. O’Connor’s comedic chops are also on full display, playing off well with Craig; their overall chemistry adds an addictive quality to Wake Up Dead Man that isn’t present in the previous two features.
Josh Brolin’s sinister take on Wicks creates the perfect foil to O’Connor’s Jud. He is ruthless and malevolent, wearing the tunic with an air of authority that strongly contrasts with the timid way Jud carries himself. But there’s something dangerously alluring about his character; despite his anger and violent speeches, the audience can see through Brolin how Wicks’s commanding presence attracts the rest of the group. The other actors hold their own with veterans like Glenn Close and Thomas Haden Church taking on some of the emotional weight of the piece, and Daryl McCormack’s Cy Draven providing a breath of fresh air in a picture full of deadpan and serious characters. With an ensemble like this, it’s nearly impossible to give every character the time and detail they deserve – and that’s perhaps where Wake Up Dead Man falls short. Figures like Andrew Scott and Kerry Washington are wasted potential, with their presence used solely for comedic effect or as a brief red herring.
The religious angle to this Knives Out mystery complements Johnson’s visual style for these films. The translucent stained glass windows are key to creating some of the most aesthetically pleasing shots of Wake Up Dead Man. Then there’s the metaphorical aspect of the feature. Jud’s prevalent faith in God and his boundless optimism are represented through lighting and colour; as he begins to lose himself in his desperate attempt to clear his name, the piece takes on a colder look full of greys and dark blues. But as he navigates through the reality of his situation and finds himself being pulled back into the comfort of his religion, vibrance and warm lighting take over, signifying a sense of new hope. Even Benoit, a staunch atheist, can see the good in Jud and, in turn, finds compassion and forgiveness in himself.
Wake Up Dead Man is a brilliant continuation of the Knives Out universe. Jud is a character who will surely be missed as Benoit moves on to his next adventure. However, the best thing about these projects is how any one of them can be an entry point into this world – one of intriguing mysteries, endearing characters and plenty of locked-room murder shenanigans.
Mae Trumata
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is released on 28th October 2025.
Read more reviews from our London Film Festival coverage here.
For further information about the event, visit the London Film Festival website here.
Watch the trailer for Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery here:
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