Rian Johnson’s ‘Wake Up Dead Man’: A Clever Return to the ‘Knives Out’ Franchise

Rian Johnson’s third installment in the ‘Knives Out’ series, ‘Wake Up Dead Man,’ marks a triumphant return after the mixed reception of ‘Glass Onion.’ This time, Johnson returns to the gothic side of whodunnits, drawing inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe and John Dickson Carr. The film centers around Jud, a boxer-turned-priest played by Josh O’Connor, who becomes a suspect after his controversial superior, played by Josh Brolin, is murdered under mysterious circumstances. Daniel Craig reprises his role as the brilliant detective Benoit Blanc, guiding the investigation through the dark twists and turns of a small town rife with secrets. The ensemble cast includes Kerry Washington, Glenn Close, and Mila Kunis, among others. Unlike the over-the-top, internet-heavy humor in ‘Glass Onion,’ Johnson refocuses on the core of storytelling here, blending sharp social commentary with intricate plot developments. The film critiques modern societal issues, particularly the hypocrisy of the far-right and the dangers of blind faith, with a narrative that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. With a satisfying conclusion, ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ reestablishes the franchise’s ability to surprise and delight, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating what comes next.