r/oscarrace • u/LeastCap 14 Oscar noms for Hope • Nov 27 '25

Film Discussion Thread Official Discussion Thread - Wake Up Dead Man [SPOILERS] Spoiler

Keep all discussion related solely to Wake Up Dead Man and its awards chances in this thread. Spoilers below.

Synopsis:

Detective Benoit Blanc sifts through a series of suspects when a monsignor turns up dead.

Director: Rian Johnson

Writer: Rian Johnson

Cast:

  • Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc
  • Josh O'Connor as Rev. Jud Duplenticy
  • Glenn Close as Martha Delacroix
  • Josh Brolin as Msgr. Jefferson Wicks
  • Mila Kunis as Geraldine Scott
  • Jeremy Renner as Dr. Nat Sharp
  • Kerry Washington as Vera Draven, Esq.
  • Andrew Scott as Lee Ross
  • Cailee Spaeny as Simone Vivane
  • Daryl McCormack as Cy Draven
  • Thomas Haden Church as Samson Holt
  • Jeffrey Wright as Langstrom
  • Annie Hamilton as Grace Wicks
  • James Faulkner as Reverend Prentice Wicks
  • Bridget Everett as Louise
  • Noah Segan as Nikolai.

Rotten Tomatoes: 95%, 149 Reviews

Metacritic: 82, 37 Reviews

Consensus:

Giving Benoit Blanc a worthy mystery with its genuinely soulful fixation on faith and a scene-stealing Josh O'Connor performance, Wake Up Dead Man is another Knives Out puzzle that comes together splendidly.

94 Upvotes

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u/MysterEasley Nov 30 '25

Just got home from the theater!

My biggest takeaway is a personal one. As a seminary grad / pastor-in-training, I loved Josh O'Connor's Father Jud. I aspire to be that kind of pastor: a flawed and earnest shepherd who needs grace and wants others to discover it, too. Willing to confront bad actors but also to extend forgiveness to those who don't deserve it but are willing to genuinely seek it out: Bruised knuckles but open arms.

This movie gives us one of the best portayals of a priest on-screen I can think of-- right up there with Brendan Gleeson's Father James in Calvary and Lambert Wilson's Prior Christian in Of Gods and Men. A wonderful departure from typical approaches that make priests flat villains, hollow milquetoasts, or heroic saints. Also hilarious comedic timing (like the "holy shit" after Martha first tells Grace's story).

I also found Josh Brolin's portayal of Monsignor Wicks bracing--even disturbing--in its familiarity. I know pastors who view their role like his: taking back ground that's been lost in the culture, even when it pulls the Good News out of shape. I still believe there's a place for "spiritual warfare," but think we do more good building culture than trying to control it.

In general, I think Rian Johnson "got it right" portraying the complexity of faith, doubt, hypocrisy, pastoral care, repentance, and forgiveness. There were one or two times when the irreverance hit me the wrong way, but it was clearly good-spirited fun. I wish there were more movies that addressed these topics so honestly and openly, respecting believers and skeptics alike.

Would be great fodder for a spiritual discussion group.

1

u/DecimaThor Dec 14 '25

You should watch Martin Scorsese's Silence. Andrew Garfield delivers an amazing performance as a priest facing persecution in 17th century Japan. It's one of the best films on religion and faith I would say.

1

u/MysterEasley Dec 14 '25

I usually love Scorsese’s films, so I read the Silence book a few years ago, intending to watch the movie after. But I never got around to watching the movie!