Knives Out 3: Wake Up Dead Man Review – A Dark, Twisty Masterpiece

I’m Riley Carter, and I’m here to give you the lowdown on the latest installment of the Knives Out series, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, is a game-changer – and I’m not just saying that because Josh O’Connor’s character, Father Jud, is a young, dumb, and full-of-Christ kind of guy.

The third installment of the Benoit Blanc trilogy, directed by Rian Johnson, has landed on the dark, gothic shadows and deafening pulse of Edgar Allan Poe as its inspiration. And trust me, it’s a wild ride. The movie follows Father Jud, a former boxer turned priest, as he’s relocated to Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude in upstate New York. It’s a Catholic church in the woods overseen by the cult-leader-like Monsignor Jefferson Micks, played by Josh Brolin.

Brolin’s character is a bully on the pulpit, fanatical and makes pre-Vatican II men of the cloth look like baby bunnies. He’s also a bit of a freak, and his church has an eerie small-town fog that’ll give you The X-Files or Twin Peaks vibes. The locals seem sweet as apple pie, but you get the feeling they know more than they’re letting on.

Glenn Close is a standout as Martha, a staunch church employee who channels Cloris Leachman in Young Frankenstein. She’s grim-faced, ghoulish, and pops up out of nowhere – what an overachiever this actress is. Her performance is right up there with her Oscar-nominated triumphs, and she’s never been more full-bodied in a Knives Out film.

The rest of the cast, including Thomas Haden Church, Daryl McCormack, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Jeremy Renner, and Cailee Spaeny, all bring their A-game. They’re not just playing their parts; they’re fully inhabiting them, which makes the movie so much more enjoyable. Unlike the previous installment, Glass Onion, these actors aren’t winking at their own fame – they’re committed to their characters.

One of the cast members gets murdered, and one of them is the murderer – no spoilers here. The riveting road to the wrap-up gives you goosebumps, and the Catholic imagery is used to optimal creep-out effect. The film builds to a solid and satisfying ending, with delightful clues and rapid-fire gags, many of which come from Daniel Craig’s dandy, deranged Benoit Blanc.

A fleeting, hilarious reference to the musical Cats will have you laughing out loud. After Glass Onion, I was ready to write off the Knives Out series, but Wake Up Dead Man has won me back. It’s a fantastic, freaky masterpiece that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.

The movie hits theaters on November 26 and Netflix on December 12, so mark your calendars. With its dark, twisty plot and outstanding performances, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is a must-see.

Anyway, that’s the deal. Do with it what you will.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed