Can we all agree that Rian Johnson is the best writer/director currently making whodunnit thrillers? His Benoit Blanc trilogy is up there with some of the best in modern-day cinema, and with his 3rd outing, he has struck ‘heavenly’ gold.
The perfect first KNIVES OUT set up the Agatha Christie style for Benoit Blanc to solve a crime, whereas the second film, GLASS ONION, replaced the seriousness with the funniest. Now, audiences are treated to the third film, WAKE UP DEAD MAN, which is arguably the deepest and most timely.
WAKE UP DEAD MAN is another murder mystery for Blanc to solve, with one twist: the first act almost entirely focuses on Reverend Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) instead of Blanc. Since audiences have seen Blanc in other films, this risk pays off as we grow to love the film’s protagonist, Duplenticy.
Elsewhere, the cast is full of famous actors, but the standout is Wicks, deliciously played by Josh Brolin. Watching him go head-to-head with the reverend is a perfect analogy of utilizing fear and hate versus bravery and kindness. It’s the heart of the film, and what keeps the pulse alive, even when the 3rd act goes on a tad too long.
Final Thought: If being a priest is just “storytelling,” Rian Johnson is officially a master storyteller. He has once again outdone himself with what might be the best film in the KNIVES OUT trilogy.
It’s currently playing in select theatres and will be available on Netflix on December 10th, 2025.
