Wake Up Dead Man : A Knives Out Mystery review

Daniel Craig returns for a third time as Benoit Blanc a master detective with a near perfect track record. Once again written and directed by Rian Johnson, Wake Up Dead Man improves upon the previous films in almost every way as everything from the pacing and characters to the mystery itself kept me guessing until the big reveal. And it's not just Daniel Craig who is on top form as there is a really stellar cast of characters and the actors portraying them. Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Josh O'Connor, Jeremy Renner, Andrew Scott and more it's a really big cast and as the mystery slowly but surely unravels it all concludes in what is a satisfying third act.  

The story this time around follows a small parish after the arrivial of a new young priest. As days go by and he begins to settle into his new surroundings it becomes clear that something really isn't right here as the main pastor played by Josh Brolin's extreme methods are showcased quite heavily in a prologue that while just a tad bit too long does showcase the characters really well adding depth and good character motivations. Once Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc arrives so does the real meat and potatoes of the story. Mystery, death, betrayal and a diamond all await to be uncovered and discovered. 

Rian Johnson really knows how to do a murder mystery doesn't he? this isn't a perfect movie by any means but it improves upon the previous entry The Glass Onion is almost every way like I mentioned earlier. It's witty, tightly written and has really likable characters for the most part. Daniel Craig especially is just brilliant as Benoit Blanc exhuding charm and charisma with every word and movement. Josh O'Connor as the new young priest is terrific and Josh Brolin is commanding throughout. Wake Up Dead Man : A Knives Out Mystery is fantastic, the prologue drags on every so slightly but as a whole this is a real triumph of the murder mystery genre and long may Rian Johnson continue to do so!

★★★★