In a gritty exploration of human flaws and societal decay, a diverse array of characters converge at a struggling church under the shadow of a malevolent monsignor. Nat Sharp, played by Jeremy Renner, is a local doctor trapped in the throes of alcoholism after the painful departure of his wife. Similarly, Lee Ross, portrayed by Andrew Scott, adds complexity as a best-selling author who has veered sharply to the right, churning out a convoluted biography of an enigmatic figure known as Wicks.
Among the more sympathetic figures is Simone Vivane, a talented cellist embodied by Cailee Spaeny. Despite her chronic pain, she generously funds the church, offering a glimmer of hope amid despair. Meanwhile, Kerry Washington’s character, Vera Draven, is a high-strung attorney entangled in the web of the church’s complicated social dynamics. The scene is further complicated by the presence of Vera’s adoptive son, Cy, played by Daryl McCormack, a character devoid of genuine morals, whose ambitions oscillate between Republican politics and social media stardom.
As the narrative unfolds, Martha Delacroix, amusingly portrayed by Glenn Close, emerges as Wicks’s staunch ally, possessing hidden knowledge that could alter the course of events. The character dynamics take a crucial turn with the arrival of Father Jud Duplenticy, brought to life by Josh O’Connor. This junior priest embodies hope and sincerity but quickly becomes a target for the vindictive monsignor, Wicks. The latter, already accustomed to psychological manipulation, subjects Jud to a barrage of humiliating confessions that tempt the young priest’s restraint.
Jud’s backstory as a former boxer adds a layer of tension, especially as Wicks’s bullying raises the stakes, culminating in a shocking murder that leaves the entire community in disarray. When the monsignor is fatally stabbed during a service, the intrigue escalates. Blanc, tasked with unraveling this web of deceit, must navigate a landscape where appearances are often deceptive, adding to the complexities of the murder mystery.
This latest addition to the “Knives Out” franchise, titled “Wake Up Dead Man,” continues the series’s tradition of blending intricate murder plots with sharp social commentary. Through its lens, the film critiques the troubling intersection of religious institutions with extremist political ideologies, highlighting themes of intolerance and the misogyny that can fester in such environments. While the film carries a weighty satirical message, it faces challenges in fully developing its ensemble cast. Many characters feel more ornamental than integral, complicating the narrative flow and diluting the expected tension that comes with a murder mystery.
As the film navigates the murky waters of morality, it reflects on the alarming trend of clergymen transforming into digital demagogues. The chilling reality depicted in “Wake Up Dead Man” prompts viewers to question the coexistence of faith and the darker impulses that can take root within it. Although the film successfully critiques its subjects, a lingering feeling of underdevelopment among supporting characters might leave some audiences wanting a deeper exploration of their motivations and desires. Nevertheless, it promises a darkly humorous yet thought-provoking ride that pays homage to Agatha Christie-like storytelling intertwined with contemporary political discourse.
