
"Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" is a daring and delightful return to form for writer-director Rian Johnson, as he brings back the clever and immersive whodunit fun that made the original "Knives Out" such a hit. While its predecessor, "Glass Onion," may have veered a bit off track with its grandiosity, this latest installment strikes the perfect balance of scale and intimacy. Set in a small-town community in upstate New York, the film weaves together elements of mystery, allegory, and social commentary with skillful precision.Josh O'Connor shines as Rev. Jud Duplenticy, a charmingly complex character caught up in a web of murder and deceit within his parish. Alongside him is Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc, who delivers his richest performance yet as he navigates through layers of deception and human nature to solve the impossible crime at hand. The film cleverly plays with themes of rationality vs. faith and love vs. hate while keeping viewers on their toes with twists and turns that never fail to surprise.With a stellar supporting cast including Kerry Washington, Glenn Close, Cailee Spaeny, Mila Kunis, Andrew Scott, Daryl McCormack,and Jeremy Renner (not playing himself this time), each character adds depth to the intricate tapestry of motives and secrets woven throughout the narrative. Johnson's sharp writing keeps us engaged from start to finish, blending humor with suspense in a way that feels fresh yet familiar.While some may find fault in certain elements feeling too set-based or artificial at times,the overall experience remains rich with entertainment value. As Johnson expertly crafts another chapter in his Knives Out series,Wake Up Dead Man proves itself to be not just an engaging mystery but also an insightful exploration of human nature under pressure.Brimming with wit,charm,and intrigue,this film cuts through genre conventions like a well-sharpened blade,making it one cut above the rest.Audiences will find themselves gleefully captivated by this razor-sharp addition to the whodunit genre.Catch Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery when it hits cinemas on November 26th or stream it on Netflix starting December 12th.You won't want to miss this killer ride!