The first Knives Out movie was a perfect example of a murder mystery. The plot was tight, the acting exemplary and it felt like a breath of fresh air when it was released in 2019. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the second instalment, 2022’s Glass Onion which was an overblown vanity project with no real murder and a pointless cast of unlikable characters wandering around an exotic island.
So, I approached Wake Up Dead Man with a sense of trepidation. I am glad to say that the 3rd movie is far superior to Glass Onion and while not on the level of the first film it is in the end a satisfying murder mystery that will probably ensure that the franchise will continue.
Daniel Craig returns as super sleuth Benoit Blanc to investigate the murder of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (a scene munching turn by the excellent Josh Brolin) the resident priest of an upstate New York catholic church. The chief suspect is junior cleric Father Judd Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) who disapproved of Wicks’s firebrand style of preaching.
It seems obvious that he did it, even to the young priest who increasingly thinks he might have done it in a trance, but Benoit see through the veil of deceit, greed and faith that lies beneath the surface.
Their is a huge array of guest stars that include Kerry Washington, Jeremy Renner and the standout Glenn Close that all contribute to the whodunit narrative that zips along nicely, even if the 2.5 hour running time is a bit long.
The set pieces are impressive, the lighting atmospheric and the costumes maybe a tad too glamorous for a small village, but it’s nice to watch a movie with the big budget on show without too many special effects.
Everyone involved looks like they are enjoying themselves and while it is all a bit tongue in cheek, for me that’s what makes it work. Murder Foul indeed, but with a dash of Hollywood stardust and a knowing wink to the audience.
I really hope the series continues.