Issues, Etc. A Review of the Movie, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” – Pr. Ted Giese, 1/28/26 (0282)
Jan 28, 2026
Pr. Ted Giese, pastor and film reviewer who teaches a course on art, media, and film, takes on Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. He explains why he hesitated to watch the director, outlines the parish murder-mystery setup, contrasts the conflicted priest and skeptical detective, notes authentic pastoral moments, and flags pulpy and potentially offensive scenes.
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Director On The No-Fly List
- Ted Giese avoided Rian Johnson films after The Last Jedi because he felt Johnson mishandled Luke Skywalker.
- He finally watched Wake Up Dead Man due to persistent viewer requests and curiosity.
Easter Themes Drive The Mystery
- The film frames a murder mystery around a Catholic parish with themes tied to Good Friday and Easter.
- Benoit Blanc arrives to untangle motives around Monsignor Wicks' death and a hidden treasure.
Characters As Theological Proxies
- The detective Benoit Blanc embodies a complicated, largely antagonistic relationship with Christianity.
- Rian Johnson uses Blanc and the young priest Judd to stage theological and ideological dialogue.
