Rian Johnson’s third Knives Out entry is a strikingly funny and wickedly engaging murder-mystery steeped in questions of faith, conviction, and the slippery nature of belief itself - powered by a magnetic Josh O’Connor. Yes, this is absolutely a worthy new puzzle for detective Benoit Blanc to unravel. It’s stacked with all the twists, turns, and head-spinning reveals you’ve come to expect from the franchise. But, what elevates it, is a surprisingly soulful fixation on spirituality. Johnson digs into the ways faith can be wielded - whether as a source of power, influence, healing, or pure desperation. And Blanc’s own non-beliefs give the film an unexpectedly thoughtful counterpoint, framing the mystery through a variety of lenses without ever feeling preachy. That mystery, for the record, takes its time to spark. The film’s opening stretch luxuriates in introducing its eccentric new roster of suspects and sinners - to the point where you may find yourself wondering, “Alright, when is Blanc going to stroll in?” Luckily, the ensemble is captivating enough to justify the deliberate pace - none more so than a scene-stealing Josh O’Connor, who dazzles as Reverend Jud, a rugged, rough-around-the-edges preacher with a fierce moral compass. O’Connor commands the screen with a charisma that sneaks up on you. His earnest conviction makes Jud instantly endearing, grounding the plot with genuine heart. And, his scenes opposite Daniel Craig are the film’s finest. And while the rest of the cast rises to the occasion as well, it’s Josh Brolin who swings hardest - delivering a gleefully venomous, love-to-hate performance. And as strong as the story and acting are, the film’s visual language deserves equal praise. Johnson and his cinematographer make exquisite use of lighting, particularly within the church setting: warm “natural” light seems to embrace true believers while shadowy corners swallow those wrestling with doubt. Clever uses of silhouettes and streaks of illumination give the impression that something - or someone -otherworldly is always observing. With its sharp wit, meticulous craft, and layered thematic ambitions, Wake Up Dead Man firmly proves that this is one murder mystery you should absolutely not sleep on.