What happens when a murder mystery becomes a theological reckoning? In Wake Up Dead Man, Rian Johnson delivers a Knives Out film that confronts Christian nationalism, toxic masculinity in the church, and the possibility of authentic faith beyond institutional corruption. Rev. Rachel Kessler, aka The Nerdy Priest, joins Matthew to unpack Father Jud’s journey from failed boxer to priest, the film’s sharp critique of religious authority, and why Benoit Blanc’s turning down Jud’s invitation to mass is essentially the message of the movie.
Questions we discussed:
- How does the character of the Monsignor embody Christian nationalism and toxic masculinity within church leadership?
- What does Father Jud’s struggle with his violent past reveal about redemption and the nature of calling?
- How does the film parallel Rian Johnson’s themes from The Last Jedi about institutional failure and who gets to own sacred stories?
- How does the movie distinguish between authentic Christianity and the church as an instrument of patriarchal control?
- What’s the significance of Benoit Blanc experiencing a “road to Damascus moment” but still declining to stay for Mass?
- Why does the film end with the church renamed “Our Lady of Perpetual Grace” while the pulpit—and its temptations—remains?
