I Confess - I Liked it a Lot

I have not been blogging recently but that is easy to explain: I have a full-time job, a part-time job, a commute of one-and-a-half hours each way most days, and a side business. But tonight I found the energy for the simple reason that I really enjoyed a show enough to get the word out.

I have been following the Knives Out movies since the first. I found that first movie interesting, but very focussed on a specific political message. The second was more neutral than the first and was just more fun. I do find that the main character, private detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, to be a little hard to accept as a brilliant sleuth. The clues are good, his observations of them lead to a satisfying conclusion of the mysteries, but the general character doesn't seem to be a man who notices things or has subtle reasoning going on. That does clear up a bit in the newest Knives Out movie, Wake Up Dead Man. I won't spend  a lot of time critiquing the other two movies because 1 - they have been out for a while and 2 - I am not going to spend a lot of space on this blog on this things I don't like. I want you to come here for recommendations.

This new movie definitely has a statement to make, but the characters have real life personality traits that are composites from society, rather than obvious caricatures of specific parties. The writers still aim some invective at the same side of the political spectrum they went after in the original movie, but they don't spend a lot of time doing so. 

The movie centers on a priest who is sent to build up a failing church in a small town. The church is failing because the current priest is full of invective against the ills of society, driving congregants from the church with condemnation. When he is murdered the local police reach out to the detective Blanc, as the murder seems to be accomplished against impossible odds. The young priest is torn between helping the detective find the killer and serving his people. 

One caveat: In order to intimidate the younger priest, the senior man repeatedly confesses to a disgusting habit, referring to it by name and giving some details. This is NOT a movie to watch with children. Although gross, these scenes are useful to give a glimpse into the character's moral decay.

As in most "the detective gets involved with the church" plots the detective is an unwavering atheist, but the young priest has his say. The movie leaves the viewer feeling faith is substantial. The message of Christ, clearly stated in several places in the movie, is presented as the real hope for humanity. The detective does find the clues, does learn everything that has happened in the crimes, but a big part of the satisfying wrap up is the message of the priest.

Just a couple of notes here about the political/religious angle. I am not a Catholic, but I am a Christian. I do hold some specific religious and political views, but identify with the young priest who is seeking to reconcile people to the truth, rather than beat people into submission. The writers of the first Knives Out movie could take a hint here.

You will probably figure out one key plot point but the mystery is very solid. The cast is a solid list of stars, and they all pull their weight. I think the most fun supporting role was Mila Kunis as Police Chief Geraldine Scott. She carried off the serious role well.

Wake Up Dead Man is not just better than the other movies in the series so far, it is a good movie in its own right. And if you like a little mystery in your holidays, this is a great way to add it without resorting to Hallmark. 

Dean Paczewitz