Wake up Dead man
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)
Rian Johnson's Knives Out series has become one of the most anticipated and creative cinematic works in recent memory. The success of this master detective, Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), driven series could easily become formulaic and predictable, but thankfully, this familiar genre has gone from strength to strength. Interestingly, this chapter buries itself deep in the heart of the church, exploring the importance of forgiveness and how Jesus' message remains relevant in our modern society.
As the story unfolds in this franchise instalment, audiences are introduced to a young priest named Jud Duplenticy (Josh O'Connor). He shares how he came to be in Chimney Rock, New York, at the local Catholic parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude, and how Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin) was murdered. While all of the fingers point at this young man as the murderer, he is assisted by Detective Blanc to find the actual perpetrator of the crime. Yet what seems apparent to all becomes muddied when the senior priest rises again, causing chaos for the legendary investigator.
The brilliance of this series lies in Rian Johnson's ability to assemble a cast willing to serve and sacrifice for the unpredictable script. Even Daniel Craig steps back to let others take the limelight in a murder mystery that keeps the faithful wondering until the conclusion. Suppose there is a formula to this Agatha Christie-inspired style of storytelling. In that case, it is the ensemble, each with a part to play. Yet, as in previous iterations of this genre, there is an ensemble that represents each side of society and pushes the story forward.
Glenn Close brings nostalgic depth of character and Jeremy Renner continues to shake up his Marvel character by playing the broken doctor. Along the way, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church bring the missing pieces to this mystery mosaic. Still, the centrepiece of this entourage is surprisingly Josh O'Connor's priestly Jud Duplenticy, who manages to outshine the ever-charismatic Daniel Craig. Not to say that Benoit Blanc's role is diminished in the sense of the word, as he is the hand that mixes everything together like a brilliant chef who knows he is essential for all to come together. For all of its originality, the ending does become a bit contrived, but it is all fun nonetheless.
Wake Up Dead Man proves that this series and its main character have something more to say, especially about faith, humanity and Jesus' impact on this world. (More to this point in the Reel Dialogue section.) The humour, the creative writing and exceptional performances continue in this refreshing franchise that makes the murder mystery entertaining once again. The Knives Out franchise lives up to its rich heritage and proves to be the must-see film of the season and the year.
Reel Dialogue and Third Space have entered the world of YouVersion: Download the app, dive into the plans, and engage with the Bible in a fresh and exciting way.
Reel Dialogue: Can Jesus still have an impact on contemporary culture?
Father Jud Duplenticy is a flawed man of the cloth who knows his position with God. Admitting that his past does not define him due to the forgiveness found in Jesus. Throughout the story, he is put to the test by those in and outside the church, who claim that his belief that Jesus has the answer for society's ills is misguided. Yet his faith remains intact throughout this caper, and he manages to convey the Bible's message while living it out for those in his community who have turned on him.
The Biblical references come into conflict with the many messages of the world that run counter to them throughout Rian Johnson's script. Yet, as the Road to Damascus is mentioned, the events around Easter and the importance of prayer are drawn out, offering a fresh perspective on the less-than-hopeful arguments against them. Wake Up Dead Man is one of the most entertaining films of the year and is worth a look. Still, I'd encourage anyone to engage with key elements of the Bible to make the experience even richer.
Who knows, this study of the Bible may even lead you to realise that Jesus has something to say about your life now, a means of making your life richer, too.
