At this point, 2019 seems like an eternity, but then, the original Knives out he was a hit in theaters before he was a writer and director Rian Johnson it led to the next two sequels netflix.
Now, the third movie, Wake up the dead manhas arrived on Netflix with the former James Bond actor Daniel Craig reprising his role as the famous detective, Benoit Blanc.
Not all Netflix originals are worthy of the big screen, but this one is. With so many good movies out now, it’s the only movie I’m streaming this weekend. Read on to find out why and what makes it worth revisiting.
Josh O’Connor steals ‘Wake Up Dead Man’
Craig gets top billing in the film, though Wake up the dead man belongs to Josh O’Connorthe talented British actor who starred in last year’s tennis drama, Challengers. In the first part of the film, Reverend Jud Duplenticy (O’Connor) is not only the main character, but he is also the kind of person you would expect a man of God to be. Jud is flawed and not immune to anger, but he is able to articulate a belief in the church’s role in society that is more sincere than cynical.
O’Connor shows some comedic gifts through her hilariously understated reactions to the people she meets at her new church. In particular, keep your eyes on O’Connor as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin) makes his open confession. O’Connor’s facial expressions are hilarious in this scene. Once Benoit Blanc enters the film, Jud has to share the spotlight, but he never fades into the background. O’Connor sticks with Craig and steals the movie under his star.
The supporting cast is impressive
Johnson has always had a knack for attracting A-list talent to his films and Wake up the dead man is not an exception. Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny i Daryl McCormack they play members of the local congregation and are among the most likely suspects when the person they have in common is murdered. The film takes the time to let Jud get to know all of them at least on a surface level, allowing the audience to understand what drives them.
Glenn Close she has one of the film’s funniest turns as Martha Delacroix, the local church lady. His line about “rockets” is the kind of joke that doesn’t work if you can’t see what he’s reacting to, and it must have taken a lot for Brolin and O’Connor to keep from howling with laughter when he said it. Mila Kunis he confronts the local police chief’s guy, Geraldine Scott, who helps Blanc in his investigation. Jeffrey Wright he only has a small part as Bishop Langstrom, but he is so charismatic that he deserves a bigger part. Thomas Haden Church he also has a fun turn as the church staffer, Samson Holt, who is hopelessly devoted to Martha.
‘Wake Up Dead Man’ is a thoughtful and twisted mystery thriller
After the first two Knives out movies, it should come as no surprise that Johnson knows how to craft a compelling mystery. He does it again here with a victim for whom it is quite difficult to generate any sympathy. But the performer in question is very good in the role. Since the murder revolves around the church, Johnson took the time to address some big questions about faith, God, and the very purpose of the church.
Beniot may not be a believer, but his conversations with Jud are very revealing and give the audience something to chew on beyond the identity of the killer. This is a very entertaining story, and we hope it won’t be the last Knives out movie
Wake up the dead man it’s streaming netflix.