WHAT WENT WRONG REVIEW: Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Dec 12, 2025
Chris and Lizzie dive into Rian Johnson's latest film, unearthing its surprising themes around faith and critique of organized religion. They spotlight standout performances by Josh O'Connor and Daryl McCormack while dissecting pacing issues and a tonal shift that leaves some viewers unsatisfied. The duo debates the film's political commentary, the challenges from streaming deals on the industry, and how the movie deviates from traditional ensemble mysteries. Spoilers abound as they reveal flaws in the murder setup, ultimately unpacking the deeper moral messages woven throughout.
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Episode notes
Prayer Scene Changed Viewer Mind
- A scene where Bridget Everett asks Josh O'Connor's priest to pray unexpectedly moved Chris significantly.
- That human moment converted his attitude and improved his enjoyment of the back half.
Nuanced Take On Faith And Institutions
- Wake Up Dead Man examines organized religion versus personal faith with nuance rather than simple denunciation.
- The hosts appreciated the film's willingness to show both harm and communal comfort from religious practice.
Marketing Misrepresents The Stakes
- The movie's marketing misframes the story as Benoit Blanc's 'most dangerous case' though physical danger is minimal.
- Misleading marketing may skew audience expectations away from the film's true themes.
