Religion and Murder: A Mixed Bag in New Mystery Film

The latest installment in the "Knives Out" series, "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, " takes a swing at religious themes but misses the mark. This time, the story centers around a troubled New York parish and a murder mystery that unfolds within its walls. The film introduces a new cast, with Josh O'Connor playing a young Catholic priest named Jud Duplenticy. He's a former boxer who finds solace in his faith, preaching love and acceptance. However, the parish is run by Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, played by Josh Brolin, who uses fear and guilt to control his congregation. The tension between the two leads to a murder, and that's where detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, finally steps in. The movie tries to tackle big themes like faith, power, and control, but it struggles to balance them with the mystery plot. The pacing is uneven, with a slow start and a middle that drags. The large cast of suspects, each with their own quirks and backstories, makes the mystery more confusing than engaging. One of the film's highlights is the dynamic between the young priest and detective Blanc. Their differing views on religion and morality add depth to the story. However, Blanc's character, which was charming in the previous films, starts to feel tired and overdone. The film also tries to make social commentary, but it feels forced and heavy-handed. The attempt to incorporate a resurrection plotline falls flat and seems disrespectful to the religious themes it's trying to explore. Despite its flaws, the film has its moments. The performances are strong, especially from O'Connor and Brolin. The mystery keeps you guessing, even if the resolution is unsatisfying. But overall, "Wake Up Dead Man" feels like a missed opportunity, a story that bites off more than it can chew.