Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery feels like the perfect follow-up to his wildly successful Knives Out and Glass Onion. Johnson, a master of twisting narratives and injecting wit into the most serious of situations, has crafted a delectable and intricate mystery that both delights and surprises. In Wake Up Dead Man, the director doubles down on everything that made the original films so iconic—sharp dialogue, quirky characters, and an intelligent, labyrinthine plot—but elevates the stakes, the humor, and the heart. It’s a murder mystery like no other.
What makes Wake Up Dead Man work so well is Johnson’s ability to maintain a balance between the genre’s essential tropes and his unique vision. The film is firmly entrenched in the classic “whodunit” structure, but Johnson’s skillful layering of humor, absurdity, and emotional depth sets it apart from anything we’ve seen in the genre in years. The premise itself feels familiar—yet we are immediately sucked into a world where every character feels like a suspect, and every interaction holds some deeper meaning.
The central figure, as always, is Blanc himself. Daniel Craig has truly made this role his own, injecting Blanc with a warmth and sharpness that only deepens over the course of the film. He’s still a bit of a mystery to us—the southern drawl, the impeccable fashion, and the mysterious depths of his intellect are all part of his charm—but this time around, we also see his softer side, which adds layers to a character we’ve come to love. Craig’s performance is spot-on, delivering an almost Shakespearean balance of humor and gravitas, making Blanc a character that is both a puzzle and an old friend.
The ensemble cast is where Wake Up Dead Man really flourishes. From the moment the eclectic group of characters enters the story, it becomes clear that each one is more than just a suspect—they’re all richly developed individuals, each with their own quirks and motivations. There’s the stoic church office manager Martha, played with an icy cold reverence by Glenn Close; the vengeful priest Mons. Wicks (Josh Brolin), whose dark past raises questions at every turn; and the always-entertaining Mila Kunis as a local police officer with a dry wit and a sharp eye for detail. But it’s Josh Connor’s performance as Father Jud that connects the entire ensemble. His character is both pitiful and fascinating—a man haunted by his past, caught between a religious moral compass and the terror of giving into hate. It’s a performance that balances subtlety and intensity with comical grace.
The mystery itself is expertly crafted, with a series of misdirects, hidden clues, and intricate details that will have even the most seasoned mystery fan second-guessing. Johnson has a knack for creating mysteries that feel both fresh and nostalgic. He’s able to use the framework of the classic “locked-room” mystery but spins it into something that feels startlingly modern. It’s not just about figuring out who did it—it’s about understanding the motivations behind the crime, the complexities of human nature, and the ties that bind people together, for better or for worse. The film’s final act, which reveals a deeply satisfying series of twists, is both surprising and poignant. Johnson’s ability to juggle multiple character arcs while keeping the mystery front and center is truly a testament to his skill as a filmmaker.
But what truly elevates Wake Up Dead Man above many other mysteries is the film’s emotional undercurrent. As with Knives Out and Glass Onion, Johnson knows how to balance humor and suspense with deeper themes about family, trust, and the moral compromises we make. The characters here are not mere caricatures—they are flawed, conflicted, and deeply human. Their relationships, riddled with secrets and betrayals, unfold as the mystery itself unravels, offering viewers not just an intellectually satisfying experience but also a heartfelt one.
My verdict? Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is a triumph. It’s funny, tense, and dark at times, with a mystery that is both complex and emotionally resonant. Johnson proves once again that he’s the master of the genre, deftly balancing suspense and humor. Fans of the first two films will find plenty to love, and newcomers will be quickly drawn into this irresistible world of rich characters and mind-bending mysteries. A must-watch for any fan of the whodunit genre, and a testament to the enduring brilliance of Rian Johnson’s storytelling.