Rian Johnson, the acclaimed director and writer known for movies like “Knives Out,” has drawn inspiration from his Catholic relatives while crafting his new murder mystery film, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.” As he developed the script, Johnson sought insight from his aunt and uncle, both of whom are Catholic, which led to a dinner discussion with their pastor, Father Scott Bailey, and other priests from Risen Christ Catholic Parish in Denver.
During this enriching dialogue, Johnson learned about the lives and perspectives of these priests, which informed the storytelling in his film. Father Bailey later became a consultant, sharing his expertise on the Catholic faith and ensuring the authenticity of various elements in the movie, which will be available to stream on Netflix starting December 12.
The film follows a dedicated young priest, Father Jud Duplenticy, portrayed by Josh O’Connor, as he serves at a small-town parish led by the boisterous and fire-and-brimstone preaching Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, played by Josh Brolin. When a murder occurs, Detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, returns to solve what he describes as a “perfectly impossible crime.” Detective Blanc teams up with Father Jud to interrogate a diverse group of suspects, including church members, a lawyer, and even Father Jud himself.
The nearly two-and-a-half-hour film features an impressive ensemble cast that includes Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Kerry Washington, and Jeremy Renner among others. Rated PG-13, it contains strong language and graphic content but also weaves in themes of mercy and forgiveness derived from Johnson’s Christian background and Father Bailey’s Catholic expertise.
Father Bailey worked diligently with Johnson, providing insights into priestly life and ensuring accurate representations of clerical duties, attire, and the layout of church settings. He even contributed to character development, including the name of Monsignor Wicks, emphasizing the depth of the character through his title.
The collaboration between Johnson and the priests extended beyond technical accuracy; it allowed for deeper discussions regarding faith, ministry, and the realities of parish life. Their conversations also highlighted the importance of compassion and patience in dealing with congregants, as presented in Father Jud’s character, who aims to embody the love of Christ.
Rian Johnson acknowledges that his Christian roots significantly influenced the film, which he describes as an exploration of faith amidst the backdrop of a murder mystery. He reflects on his own past involvement in the church and emphasizes the movie’s intent to provoke thoughtful discussions about the role of faith in contemporary society.
Father Bailey hopes that viewers will appreciate the movie’s underlying messages of mercy and understanding, stating, “You don’t often find a message of mercy embedded in a murder mystery.” Through moments of redemption and understanding, the film invites audiences to consider how Christians interact with the world and the essence of their faith.
With a focus on storytelling, Johnson appreciates the visual beauty of Catholicism and the power of narrative in understanding life’s complexities. By emphasizing collaboration and the sharing of perspectives between characters with differing worldviews, “Wake Up Dead Man” aims to reflect meaningful relationships and messages of hope.