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Once again, Johnson delivers one hell (pun intended) of a murder mystery with yet another stellar ensemble.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Like its predecessor, the third murder mystery written and directed by Rian Johnson premiered at the Princess of Wales Theatre on the festival’s first Saturday night. Six years and three films later, the excitement is still palpable — if not even greater now. It was likely one of the biggest premieres of the festival, and getting into a screening felt nearly impossible (much like solving this new mystery).
I’ve always been obsessed with mysteries and investigations. For as long as I can remember, I’ve watched series such as Bones (2005–2017) and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000–2015), sitting on the edge of my seat, trying to piece together each episode alongside my favorite investigators. The more intricate and unpredictable the mystery, the better — and that’s why Rian Johnson’s franchise is so dear to me, and to so many. With Wake Up Dead Man, he proves once again that he’s a modern master of the murder mystery genre.
As he shared during a Knives Out Conversation with Glenn Close, Johnson grew up with Agatha Christie novels and films, as well as 1960s and 1970s “whodunit” movies and TV shows like Columbo (1968-2003), drawing inspiration from actors such as Peter Ustinov and Albert Finney. These influences shine through in Johnson’s meticulous plotting, clever misdirections, and love for theatricality, blending the golden era of mystery with a fresh, modern sensibility that keeps audiences guessing and thoroughly entertained.
Each installment of the franchise tells its own story, with its own tone. While Wake Up Dead Man echoes the first film, it explores new subgenres and themes. Johnson grew up in a deeply religious household — “deeper than just going to church with his parents,” he explained — and has said that both Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) and Father Jud (Josh O’Connor) coexist within him, reflecting different sides of his personality and inner struggles. That tension is mirrored in the film’s setting: most of the story unfolds in a church, creating a striking paradox. A space devoted to faith and morality becomes the backdrop for murder, directly contradicting the Sixth Commandment: “You shall not murder.”
After Father Jud hits one of his colleagues, he’s transferred to the Church of Chimney Rock for one last chance at proving himself as a good priest. Chimney Rock Church is run by Msgr. Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin) — a quiet, intense priest with what appears to be a cult-like personality. Every sermon drives people away from the church, one by one, except for the “regulars”: Vera Draven, the town lawyer (Kerry Washington, channeling her inner Olivia Pope once again), Dr. Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner), Lee Ross (Andrew Scott), Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny), and Cy Draven, Vera’s son (Daryl McCormack).
Nine months after Father Jud’s arrival, Msgr. Wicks is found stabbed in a utility closet on the chancel during the Good Friday afternoon sermon. What happened? Who killed him? It’s the perfect impossible murder — straight out of a John Dickson Carr story.
Once again, Johnson delivers one hell (pun intended) of a murder mystery with yet another stellar ensemble — each actor perfectly cast. Aside from Daniel Craig, who was literally born to portray Benoit Blanc, Glenn Close, Josh O’Connor, and Josh Brolin are standouts. Glenn Close has blessed us with some of the most amazing performances (I still can’t believe she has never won an Academy Award — that, to me, is one of the worst cinematic sins), and her Marta is no exception. Josh O’Connor (taking down Andrew Scott’s hot-priest legacy) also gives an incredible performance, once again proving that he is one of the best actors of his generation. More of him, always.
Just like the previous films in the series, Wake Up Dead Man delivers plenty of laughs. It finds the perfect balance between the darker elements of the murder mystery and a style of humour that’s smart, sharp, and rooted in wit. The comedy comes from clever dialogue, eccentric characters, and sharp social observations (money really does bring out the worst in people), making it both entertaining and brilliant.
The Knives Out franchise truly is for everyone, and I couldn’t recommend it enough. See the third film on the big screen if you can — otherwise catch it on Netflix — but whatever you do, don’t miss it. You’ll have, once again, the best time!
Wake Up Dead Man will have a limited theatrical release for two weeks starting November 26, before streaming on Netflix from December 12.
Photo: Courtesy of TIFF
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