Sun Dec 14 00:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Summary
Justin Chang’s review of “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” highlights the film’s clever blend of mystery and spiritual inquiry. The movie, set in a small-town Catholic church, follows Father Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) as he navigates the toxic leadership of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), an intolerant fundamentalist. When Wicks is murdered, Jud becomes the prime suspect, prompting the return of detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig). The film tackles themes of religious intolerance and the Christian right, reminiscent of previous Knives Out movies’ social commentary. Chang praises O’Connor’s performance and the film’s ability to elevate a satirical murder farce into a contemplative exploration of faith and skepticism.
News Article
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” Tackles Faith and Intolerance in New Whodunit
New York, NY – Rian Johnson’s latest installment in the “Knives Out” franchise, “Wake Up Dead Man,” is generating buzz for its sharp wit and insightful commentary on religion. The film stars Josh O’Connor as Father Jud Duplenticy, a young priest caught in a web of suspicion after the murder of his superior, the intolerant Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, played by Josh Brolin.
Set in a small-town Catholic church, the movie sees the return of Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc, tasked with solving what appears to be an impossible crime. According to film critic Justin Chang, “Wake Up Dead Man” cleverly uses mystery conventions to explore deeper spiritual questions, pitting faith against skepticism.
The film doesn’t shy away from tackling controversial topics. Like its predecessors, “Wake Up Dead Man” takes aim at societal issues, this time focusing on the intolerance and insularity of the Christian right. The film boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Jeremy Renner, Cailee Spaeny, Andrew Scott, and Daryl McCormack. “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is expected to release in 2025 on Netflix.
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