Plot
Jud Duplenticy is a newly appointed Father of the Catholic Church, who following an incident, is sent to Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude, to work under Monsignor Jefferson Wick.
Wick is a preacher whose sermons often result in the congregation either being in left awe, or leaving in disgust. He has a close “flock” of individuals who worship him. One day during a grueling sermon – Wick takes a break – and moments later is found murdered.
The police led by chief Geraldine Scott, call upon famed Detective Benoit Blanc to assist… as the case is seemingly unsolvable. Can Blanc solve the seemingly unsolvable?
Direction
Rian Johnson directs, as well as writes the screenplay. It is quick, fun and works with the narrative. While there are no ‘exciting’ action sequences, or long takes that will impress, it does what is needed, and is solid.
Cast/Characters
Like the previous two films, there is a who’s who in the cast list.
Daniel Craig, is of course back as Benoit Blanc.
Josh O’Connor, (who I have not come across before) plays Father Jud Duplenticy – who is essentially the main character.
Josh Brolin plays Monsignor Wicks. He is a hoot as the god fearing, but often joke making leader of the church. He is both worshiped, and feared by his “flock”.
Glenn Close plays Martha, Wick’s close associate, who has been with the church since childhood – and holds secrets of his past.
Other important cast are; Jeremy Renner (as Dr Nat Sharp), Cailee Spaeny (as Simone), Andrew Scott (as Lee), Mila Kunis (as Chief Geraldine Scott), Thomas Hayden Church (as Samson, the church caretaker), Daryl McCormack (as Cy, one of the churchgoers), and Kerry Washington as Vera (cy’s older sister and ‘adopted mother).
Jeffrey Wright has a very small bookend role – and shares a scene with the James to his Felix at the end of the film.
Breakdown
Aside from a very small snippet (that is replayed later in the film) – Craig’s Blanc does not appear in the film until about 40 minutes into the film. This is part in parcel due to the nature of the narrative, and the characters within the film.
The characters who become both the victim (Josh Brolin’s Mons Wicks), and the potential suspects (his congregation, Martha and the primary suspect Jud).
The “whodunit” is written well, and is easily the best of the franchise to date. The audience as well as Blanc are all left guessing throughout the film – especially as supernatural elements seemingly come into play. These are brilliantly explained once the ‘full reveal’ has been… revealed.
Johnson usually finds himself a supremely strong supporting cast, and this is quite possibly the strongest, with such star players as Brolin, Renner, Washington, Church, and Spaeney.
The standouts are Josh O’Connor and Glenn Close who absolutely shine here.
Close in particular gives such a nuanced performance as the naive church caretaker (who would paint rocket ships on a place of rest?) , who has been with Wicks since he was a child. Her arc is truly heartbreaking, and she gives (in my opinion) an Oscar worthy performance. Fingers crossed.
There are some very darkly comical moments as well, and it is written as a mystery/comedy. Such moments like the autopsy, where they flip the body (and after Blanc plays wiggly wiggly).
It is also very emotional when it comes to faith and religion. Jud, a newly appointed Father of the Church, is the top suspect in the killing. During his help with investigating the case, he is asked by a woman to pray for her. I am not religious, it is not a gift I have received, but I found this scene so touching that it gave Jud his reasons to continue his mission, and the reason he was given this calling. So brilliantly written, and executed by the cast (primarily O’Connor).
The film is a little long at a touch over 2hrs, with a tad too much exposition at the start of the film introducing all the supporting players (some perhaps not really needed?)
I would have loved more Jeffrey Wright, especially given his history with Daniel Craig in the James Bond franchise.
Overall
A fun third installment in the Blanc/Knives Out filmography, is complemented by a strong cast, primarily O’Connor and Close who give amazing performances (I’ll be upset if Close doesn’t score an Oscar nod for hers).
A great narrative leaves you guessing to the end. A little long, with the opening exposition dragging a little.
Check out my podcast on this one.
4/5
Please check out my Podcast on this movie
Ryan's Movie Reviews 