Wake Up Dead Man is an incredibly gripping murder mystery full of secrets and suspicion, keeping you on the edge of your seat with every unveiling clue. The dramatic setting and indulging story are what gained the film its recent popularity, with unexpected twists and relative undertones catching the attention of viewers. Being an asset to the already popular movie series, Knives Out, the release of this movie was highly anticipated, but no one could have expected the utter beauty of this film. 

The Story

The movie follows an ex-boxer turned priest, Father Jud, who strives to help break down the negative views of the church. In doing so, he meets Monsignor Wicks and the other main characters of the story at a small church in New York. He struggles to keep himself under control as Monsignor Wicks continues to drive Jud out of his controlling church. Tension grows high, and their relationship soon turns hate-filled, so when the almost impossible death of Monsignor Wicks occurs, all eyes fall on Father Jud. This impossible case catches the attention of a famous detective, Benoit Blanc, who arrives to solve the case. He believes Jud is innocent and was framed. The two of them work to find the real killer, and in doing so more chaos unfolds, and in the beauty of suspense, all will be revealed. 

The story is very interesting and filled with little details that make the plot so much more intriguing; however, the story isn’t the only jaw-dropping aspect of this movie.

The Atmosphere

The cinematography and the overall atmosphere that are presented in this film is incredibly impressive and breathtaking. A particular element that has a large impact on the emotional value is the lighting. The lighting in this film is so beautiful, considering it’s a Netflix movie, it gives a flood of warmth and coziness as well as having a meaningful impact on the scene. In addition, the sets have such a detailed architectural element, just adding to the feeling of awe and wonder for the viewer. The way that the sets change in aesthetics as the movie progresses keeps the viewer engaged and truly thrilled, but the set would be nothing without the actors.

The Acting

The acting in this movie is impressive, and it truly brings the entire story to life. All the actors fit their character’s role to an outstanding degree, and the way that the acting meticulously makes you love or hate a character is unbelievable. The subtle ways that the actors can switch emotions make it very raw and believable, adding to the impressive atmosphere. The actors make the story come to life, and it truly makes your gears spin trying to figure out who committed the impossible crime. 

Overall, this movie really impacted me. The undertones and the way that Josh O’Connor’s character shows his passion for the church satisfied my mind. If you are struggling to find a mystery that keeps you at the edge of your seat or on the tip of your toes, this film is a perfect suitor for your movie night. It will impact you in the drought of engaging and truly surprising mysteries. It will touch your heart with its beauty and sophistication while also making you laugh and fall in love with the entire film. Wake Up Dead Man is such a wonderful watch and an outstanding mystery film to start the new year!