Mind on Fire Books

I have a confession to make: I am not usually a mystery buff. I honestly didn’t know what to expect going into Wake Up Dead Man, the latest installment in the Knives Out universe. However, within the first 20 minutes, I was completely consumed.

Whether you are a die-hard fan of the genre or, like me, someone who usually prefers other cinematic realms, this film is a stellar experience. It earns a perfect 5 out of 5 coffee mugs from me. Here is why this movie demands your attention.

Rating: 5/5 Coffee Mugs ☕☕☕☕☕

Genre: Mystery / Crime / Drama Franchise: A Knives Out Mystery Director: Rian Johnson

A Cast That Demands Attention

I’m not usually one to watch a movie solely based on the actors—I admit, I’m not even great with names—but I have to give credit where it is due. The ensemble cast in Wake Up Dead Man is nothing short of legendary.

The chemistry between these heavy hitters is palpable. We are talking about a lineup that includes:

• Daniel Craig (returning as the genteel sleuth Benoit Blanc)
• Josh O’Connor (as the earnest Father Jud Duplenticy)
• Josh Brolin (as the volatile Monsignor Wicks)
• Jeremy Renner
• Andrew Scott
• Mila Kunis
• Cailee Spaeny
• Thomas Haden Church

The way the film weaves these massive talents together, balancing their individual stories without anyone feeling overshadowed, is an achievement in itself. I had never heard of the Knives Out productions prior to this, but after seeing this ensemble work, I am committed to watching the entire series.

Faith, Murder, and Small-Town Secrets

The story transports us to a Gothic, intimate town defined by its church community. The plot ignites when Father Jud arrives, hoping to serve God and work alongside the town’s beloved main priest. Suddenly, the main priest—a “fire-and-brimstone” figure that everyone follows—is murdered.

What follows is not just a “whodunit,” but a deep exploration of motive, history, and the human condition. As the audience, we are tossed into a chaotic but brilliant investigation where Father Jud teams up with Benoit Blanc to solve what appears to be a locked-room mystery. We see the regular churchgoers—people with shared histories and hidden pasts—scrutinized as suspects.

A Personal Catholic Perspective

Growing up in the Catholic faith, I found the dynamics in this movie incredibly authentic. The film captures the specific “ebb and flow” of a church community. I recognized the rituals, the rites, and the feeling of a smaller suburban parish where everyone knows everyone else.

While my own church experience (fortunately) lacked a murder mystery, the atmosphere in the movie felt like home. The film brilliantly subverts religious archetypes. We see the struggle between priests, questions of faith, and the shock of violence in a holy place. It is rare to see a film tackle a priest questioning his faith amidst a murder investigation with such nuance.

Critics seem to agree with this sentiment. NPR called it “the rare really good American mainstream movie about faith,” and Original-Cin described it as “a wicked satire on faith and fanaticism.” It manages to be darker and more introspective than previous films while still being, as one viewer put it, “funnier than the first two put together.”

Character-Driven Storytelling

What makes the ending of Wake Up Dead Man so graceful—and the journey there so gripping—is that the characters are fully fleshed out.

This isn’t just a puzzle; it is a character study.

• The Arcs: Every suspect has a lovely, distinct narrative arc.
• The Motives: We explore every backstory, leading us to constantly second-guess who the culprit is.
• The Investment: The writing is so strong that, for a large portion of the movie, I stopped caring about who did it because I was so enthralled by just getting to know the people involved.

The twist, when it finally arrives, is stellar. Just when you think you have the mystery solved, the film proves you wrong.

---

Based on your taste in literature, I think we could be good friends. Sign up below for emails and free eBook giveaways.

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Goodreads

---

What Do the Critics and Audiences Say?

While I personally loved it, it’s worth noting that Wake Up Dead Man has been a massive hit across the board since its release in late 2025.

Here is a quick breakdown of how it’s performing:

• Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 92% (Certified Fresh)
• Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 94% (Verified Fresh Popcorn)
• Metacritic Score: 80/100
• IMDb Rating: ~7.4/10

It seems I’m not alone in my praise. The 94% audience score is actually the highest in the franchise history, beating out both Knives Out and Glass Onion. While a few critics mentioned the plot was “too clever and convoluted,” the general consensus is that it is a “visually stunning” and “thematically rich” entry in the series.

The Verdict

Wake Up Dead Man provides a stellar twist, incredible acting, and a plot that respects the audience’s intelligence.

I highly recommend this movie if:

• You love a good mystery.
• You grew up in the Catholic Church and appreciate religious themes explored in film.
• You appreciate deep character development and A-list acting.
• You are looking to step outside your usual Sci-Fi or dark movie rotation.

Take your time with this one. It is a straight-up awesome experience.

---