Daniel Craig returns for the third time as detective Benoit Blanc, with Rian Johnson once again writing and directing. Blanc takes on a new case when a charismatic priest, Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), is murdered in a seemingly impossible way. He enlists the help of another priest, Father Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) although he is one of the main suspects as far as the police are concerned.
All that is good from the first two films is evident here again. A supporting cast of suspects played with relish by some illustrious names, a twisty plot and Craig having immense fun. It is, perhaps, a little darker than the others, especially the frothy last entry. The gothic trappings and the questions about belief provide a more serious tone. It also has some satirical moments, critiquing the fundamentalist American right wing. But, it is also pure entertainment.
Of the stuffed supporting cast making up the church congregation, it is good to see Jeremy Renner back on screen as a doctor with a drinking problem. Glenn Close as a devout church employee is getting the most praise but I liked the performances by two actors I really admire: Andrew Scott as an author writing a book about Jefferson and Cailee Spaeny as a young woman looking for a miracle.
Wake Up Dead Man is currently in cinemas and will soon be on Netflix.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10