Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc in ‘Wake Up Dead Man’
Daniel Craig reprises his role as the charismatic private detective Benoit Blanc in the latest installment of the Knives Out franchise, titled Wake Up Dead Man. The film, blending elements of Gothic camp with mystery, marks its arrival in select cinemas today before its scheduled release on Netflix on 12 December, reports BritPanorama.
The third film in the franchise follows former boxer-turned-Catholic priest Jud Duplenticy, portrayed by Josh O’Connor, who is sent to a rural parish where he faces the formidable Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, played by Josh Brolin. Wicks, a dictatorial figure among his flock, dies unexpectedly during a service, provoking chaos and suspicion. Duplenticy finds himself ensnared in the ensuing investigation as church secrets come to light.
Unlike its predecessors, Wake Up Dead Man has been described as a blend of religious horror and satire, diverging from the classic whodunnit style of the first film, which centered on a dysfunctional family, to a more avant-garde setting. This transition appears to have shifted the tone significantly, injecting elements of dark humour and supernatural undertones.
As the story unfolds, Blanc, operating in his usual incisive manner, emerges as the pivotal character who seeks to unravel the mystery surrounding Wicks’ demise. His interactions with Duplenticy reveal layers of character development, with the film revisiting key scenes from multiple perspectives—a stylistic choice characteristic of the franchise. The plot culminates in a resolution that reveals deeper connections among the cast of characters, each representing a facet of the community’s complexities.
The film stands as another testament to Craig’s successful transition away from the James Bond franchise, proving that his portrayal of Blanc is both enriching and transformative. Wake Up Dead Man does not only deliver a gripping narrative but also maintains the franchise’s penchant for clever storytelling and sharp dialogue, ensuring its place as a must-watch film for the winter season.
