Everything to know about Rian Johnson’s ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’
The festive season isn’t here yet. Then, why does it feel so merry on Netflix? Probably because it knows exactly what we’re craving this Yuletide: a murder mystery with Benoit Blanc.
Rian Johnson is all set to sail with fans on another whodunit with Wake Up Dead Mean: A Knives Out Mystery, following his successful outings with 2019’s Knives Out and pandemic child Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Netflix recently shared behind-the-scenes images alongside a poster of Daniel Craig’s return that literally looks right in the eye.
The streaming giant also pulled back the curtain on its release window with a theatrical nod. Speaking of his upcoming crime thriller, Johnson informed Tudum, “This film charts [Blanc’s] most personal journey yet”.
So, for those craving for answers and whereabouts, here’s all you need to know about Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.
What is the plot of this Knives Out Mystery?
Wake Up Dead Man is about to see Blanc in a small settlement of upstate New York. A curious young priest, Jud Duplenticy, is sent to aid the local priest, Monsignor Jefferson. But when an unthinkable murder disrupts the town, the local law enforcement, led by police chief Geraldine Scott, teams up with Blanc to solve the seemingly impossible. “This was dressed as a miracle; it’s just a murder. And I solve murders,” according to Blanc.
Teetering at the edge of faith, rationality, morality, and belief, this Knives Out Mystery is rooted in a religious setting. “I have strong feelings about faith: both my own personal experiences and how it intersects with our country’s cultural and civic life, and the ways that intersection touches us all differently. So, it felt like rich ground for a good story,” Johnson explains.
With Wake Up Dead Man, he aims to return to the real lineage of whodunits, “which predate Agatha Christie, going back to Edgar Allan Poe”. He already used the formula in the first film. But for those wondering whether the fun would be lost, Johnson assures that there is plenty. Most of the film takes place in a roomy chapel. Production designer Rick Heinrichs built it to suit the gothic aesthetic. While Blanc enters the narrative as an outsider, he’s not the only protagonist, for sharing the spotlight is Jud.
Who is in the cast?
Besides Craig’s return as Benoit Blanc, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery has Josh Brolin, Josh O’Connor, Daryl McCormack, and Andrew Scott as Rev Jud Duplenticy, Msgr Jefferson Wicks and Lee Ross, respectively. Meanwhile, Mila Kunis plays Geraldine Scott, Jeremy Renner portrays Dr Nat Sharp, and Daryl McCormack portrays Cy Draven.
Glenn Close as Martha Delacroix, Kerry Washington as Vera Draven, Cailee Spaeny as Simone Vivane, and Thomas Haden Church as Samson Holt round out the cast.
Is there a trailer available?
As of now, Netflix has yet to release a trailer. However, the company shared a clip, complete with fleeting footage of Wake Up Dead Man, following the title reveal.
When does the movie release?
Wake Up Dead Man will premiere internationally at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6th. It will also open the BFI London Film Festival next month on the 8th.
The murder mystery will be released in select theatres starting November 26th, allowing it a two-week theatrical release before it lands on Netflix to mystify the merry season on December 12th.