Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc to solve his most perplexing case to date – with some extremely clever twists…
Rian Johnson has done it once again: created an intriguing murder-mystery that keeps the audience completely enthralled from start to finish.
What is excellent about his takes on murder mysteries is the way in which he is able to mix up the style and tone and yet retain the sense of a classic murder mystery thriller with the classic elements seen through contemporary eyes.
In contrast to Glass Onion, Wake Up Dead Man has a darker and more gothic vibe to it by focusing on religion, sin and confessions left right and centre. It has been intricately plotted to ensure that although you think you have it all figured out – Johnson proves the audience wrong on countless occasions.
For this latest instalment, the story focuses on young priest Jud Duplenticy, who is sent to a tiny parish in the village of Chimney Rock to work for Monsignor Jefferson Wicks who has a cynical outlook on life and is in many ways a dangerous individual in terms of his views and the influence he has has over his congregation who both admire and fear him for very different reasons (does that sound familiar at all?).
There is no denying that this is the darkest Knives Out mystery to date (there is a very grim scene set in the basement of a house), but amidst the darkness Johnson has still kept the tinges of humour throughout that adds a lovely bit of contrast (just keep an eye out for a particularly good use of The Phantom of the Opera overture for example). The plot is so intricate and perhaps it could be said that there feels a little bit too much backstory and build up to digest in one go, but the twists and turns when they come are extremely effective.
Every scene is perfectly crafted to ensure great focus and ensures the audience sits up and pays attention to every little detail. But equally, there is a real surprise in the empathy that is shown towards a particular character towards the end that highlights the power of forgiveness but there is a real emotional core that is on display throughout that adds extra depth to the story. But it is also the change of perspective that makes this latest film seem so refreshing, showcasing Johnson’s ability to adapt to variety of styles for a murder mystery.
The whole story is brought to vivid life by a typically starry cast, who clearly all relish the characters that they play. Josh O’Connor as both the main suspect and Blanc’s sidekick is a real joy to watch, showing great depth and conflict as Jud struggles to deal with the situation he finds himself in – but he is equally brilliant at the comical moments as well, delivered with great sharpness. It is a surprise that Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc gets fewer scenes (he doesn’t turn up until quite a bit into the film) which is a real shame as his quirks and methods are a key component as to why the series has worked to date. But there is no denying that he still manages to steal the focus when he does appear – by this point he has really made the character his own is still impressive and brings a smile to the audience’s face.
Josh Brolin is equally as impressive as the unflinching and cold Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, offering a really commanding performance. Glenn Close also gives her all to Martha (also getting the best entrance that generates plenty of laughs), who keeps everything in order at the church and has been loyal to the Wicks family for her whole life – it is a thoroughly committed and engaging performance.
Overall, Wake Up Dead Man is a really refreshing and enjoyable addition to the Knives Out series – all I ask for next time is more of Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc to be a little more involved with the story.
By Emma Clarendon
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery will be released in cinemas for a limited time from the 26th November, before heading to Netflix on the 12th December.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️