A Mixed Bag of Mystery and Faith

"Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" takes a different path from its predecessors. It dives into themes of religion and mystery, but it stumbles along the way. The story follows detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, as he investigates a death in a troubled New York parish. The film tries to blend humor, drama, and social commentary, but it doesn't quite hit the mark. The movie starts with a young priest, Jud Duplenticy, played by Josh O'Connor. He's a former boxer who found meaning in his faith. He's sent to a parish run by Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, played by Josh Brolin. Wicks uses fear and guilt to control his congregation. When Wicks is found dead, Blanc steps in to solve the mystery. The investigation involves several suspects, each with their own secrets and motives. One of the film's strengths is the chemistry between the young priest and Blanc. They have different views on faith and religion, which adds depth to their interactions. However, the pacing of the movie is uneven. It drags in the middle, making it feel longer than it needs to be. The humor also falls flat at times, and the social commentary feels forced. The film tries to tackle big themes like the power of religion and the dynamics of faith. It even touches on the idea of resurrection, but it does so in a way that feels glib. The conclusion is satisfying, but the journey to get there is a bit of a slog. The movie tries to do too much and ends up losing focus. Overall, "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" is a mixed bag. It has moments of brilliance, but it's let down by its uneven pacing and forced humor. It's a film that tries to say a lot but doesn't always succeed. If you're a fan of the "Knives Out" series, you might still enjoy it, but don't expect it to be as sharp as the previous installments.