I went into Wake Up Dead Man without expecting too much. I like mystery films, but after watching so many of them, it’s rare that something actually keeps me guessing till the end. This one didn’t blow my mind, but it did keep my interest, and that matters more to me now than flashy twists.
It’s a solid, engaging film but something you can sit with, think about, and enjoy without feeling exhausted by it.
The Review
The basic setup is familiar if you know Knives Out. There’s a murder, there are multiple suspects, and Benoit Blanc shows up to figure things out. What’s different this time is the nature of the crime itself. The murder feels impossible. The space is small, movement is limited, and yet something doesn’t add up. Instead of throwing ten different theories at you, the movie limits the possibilities. That actually makes it more interesting. You keep thinking, “Okay, then it has to be this… no wait, that doesn’t work either.”
The mystery feels playable, like you could solve it if you just paid enough attention.
This is easily the darkest Knives Out film in terms of mood. Not violent-dark, but heavy-dark. The church setting, the silence, the rituals, the sense of belief and control it all adds weight to the story. There are moments that hint at something supernatural, but the film never fully commits. And I liked that. You’re left questioning whether there’s something beyond logic happening, or if it’s all just human manipulation. That uncertainty works in the film’s favor.
The humor is still there, but it’s subtle. No forced jokes, no constant one-liners. Just enough to ease the tension.
Acting
Daniel Craig feels different here. Less flashy, less performative. He doesn’t come in acting like the smartest guy in the room. At times, he even seems unsure. That makes Benoit Blanc feel more human and more interesting.
Josh Brolin carries authority naturally. Even when he’s not on screen much, his presence is felt. Josh O’Connor does a good job walking that fine line between innocence and suspicion and you’re never fully sure what to think about him, and that’s exactly what the role needs.
The supporting cast is strong. No weak performances stood out to me.
Direction & Visuals
The film looks really good, but not in an over-stylized way. The camera work is calm, controlled, and intentional. The church isn’t just a location it’s part of the story. The way scenes are framed makes you feel watched, judged, boxed in.
It’s not a fast movie, but it knows when to slow down and when to push forward.
What Worked and What Didn’t
What worked most for me was the engagement. I wasn’t just watching the mystery—I was thinking through it. That doesn’t always happen with modern whodunits.
What didn’t fully work is the pacing in a few spots. Some people might find the build-up slow, and the film does try to say a few things about faith, power, and control that may not land for everyone.
Still, none of that ruined the experience.
Final Verdict and Rating
Wake Up Dead Man isn’t trying to outsmart you. It’s trying to involve you.
It’s not the most exciting Knives Out movie, but it might be the most grounded one.
I wouldn’t call it unforgettable, but I’d definitely recommend it and especially if you enjoy mysteries that let you think instead of just surprising you.
Rating: 4 / 5
