Wake Up Dead Man is the darkest (and best) Knives Out movie so far.

I love the Knives Out franchise. 

I watch the first film every Christmas Eve. Why? Who could say. Perhaps it's the sweaters. I routinely recite Chris Evans' monologue. I was part of the smaller population who genuinely enjoyed the sequel, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. And I love Benoit Blanc's little bob (plus, Daniel Craig's southern drawl as he brings the esteemed detective to life).

I hope they never stop making these movies and they get more convoluted and wildly absurd with each passing year. 

For now, though, we've been blessed with the third instalment of Rian Johnson's murder mystery franchise. Following a limited release in theatres, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery drops on Netflix tonight.

And you know I was in the cinema, popcorn in hand, devouring this whodunnit in all its glory. And I'm happy to report, it was a devilishly good time.

Image: Netflix.

Where the second film diverted viewers with a summer-toned escape to a luxurious private island, Wake Up Dead Man is a return to form with its gothic architecture, undercurrent of darkness, and superb cast.

This time, Blanc is tasked with solving an unsolvable case of the "locked-door" variety. He's invited to a Catholic Church in upstate New York to investigate the murder of its formidable priest, Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin).

Wicks was born into the role, his billionaire grandfather being the parish Priest until his final breaths. Wicks' mother was a victim of her time, labelled a harlot and a whore for having Wicks out of wedlock and forever shaming him in the process.

"Big yikes" to that whole story, but I'll let the film unravel that one for you.

With a small and ever-dwindling parish, Wicks spouts volatile sermons from his pulpit in each service; with sharp-tongued speeches designed to embarrass, humiliate, or radicalise those in his community. He's really all about that 'fear of God' thing, 'love thy neighbour' be damned. 

His alpha-male nonsense is counteracted by newcomer, Reverend Jud Dupenticy (brilliantly portrayed by Josh O'Connor). He is idealistic and overly kind and thrilled at the opportunity to play some part in reviving this flailing church that seems to repel newcomers.

But Reverend Jud struggles to connect with the Monsignor's loyal followers, even finding himself bullied by Wicks in the process. So much so, he may or may not be caught on camera saying he would "cut Wicks out like a cancer" to free the church of his teachings. Welp.

When Wicks is mysteriously (and somewhat impossibly) murdered in the middle of a service, local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) joins forces with Blanc to unravel the case. It sets the scene for a reckoning between faith and fact, as Blanc puts it, "This was dressed as a miracle, but it's just a murder. And I solve murders." 

Carrying on the tradition from previous films, Blanc teams up with the most unlikely of allies — hitching his wagon to suspected murderer, Reverend Jud. 

Craig's Blanc may be the star of the show, but this is Josh O'Connor's movie. His performance is a knockout, delicately balancing moments of humour, devastation, rage and sheer whimsy. 

Image: Netflix.

Blanc and Jud set out to investigate the case, calling upon the absurd collection of followers in Wicks' orbit.

There's Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close), Wicks' most loyal servant and a truly strange lady. Groundskeeper Samson Holt (Thomas Haden Church) is deeply in love with her and credits the Monsignor with saving him from alcoholism. Vera Draven (Kerry Washington) is a lawyer whose stepson, Cy Draven (Daryl McCormack) is a failed Trump-esque politician. Dr. Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner) lost his wife to another man and is increasingly leading himself down an incel pipeline. Lee Ross (Andrew Scott) was once a famed author, now wasting away on Substack. Simone (Cailee Spaeny) believes Wicks can cure her chronic pain, where doctors could not. 

It's a stacked cast, with Washington in particular dazzling with her limited screen time — with special shoutouts to Close and Haden Church for their bizarre, wonderful work.

And, as always, Scott is a delight to behold.

Image: Netflix.

What Johnson continues to do so well with his franchise, is weave together timlines, points of view, and an immense number of personal feelings, vendettas and heartaches, leading to a crux that will surprise and delight the audience.

Where some murder mysteries are about major twists and 'gotcha' moments, the Knives Out films pull at different threads to unravel the mystery with viewers in the most mesmerising way possible; it's narrative storytelling with flair.

And my god, cinematographer Steve Yedlin deserves an award for the masterful use of light throughout the film. If nothing else, it's a beautiful movie.

Fortunately, in my opinion, it's more than that.

The first film has always been my favourite (hello, I watch it on Christmas Eve). It introduced us to this world of Knives Out fantasicsm: with looney, intricately crafted characters, all portrayed by top-tier Hollywood talent, not to mention gorgeous cinematography, deliciously over-the-top scriptwriting and some banging string quartet needle drops.

Knives Out is a cult-favourite for a reason. And it will always be my personal go-to when I need to settle in for a cosy murder mystery.

But with this treat of a film, it's clear Wake Up Dead Man is the best yet.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is now streaming on Netflix.

Feature Image: Netflix.