Join Drew, Grace, Lucius, and Paola as they react, review, and reflect on Rian Johnson's third installment in the Knives Out series, Wake Up, Dead Man, discussing how this murder mystery becomes a meaningful commentary on power, the church, and what it means to truly live out Christian calling.

(00:00) Intro

Welcome to Soul on Screen

(01:01) React

From Lucius feeling this was an improvement after Glass Onion, to Paola being floored by unexpected spiritual depth, the hosts share their enthusiastic reactions to a film that proved to be both entertaining and surprisingly meaningful

(07:03) Review

Masterful cinematography and lighting, outstanding performances with impressive shifts from comedy to despair, exceptional writing with subtle dialogue that rewards close attention, intentionally theatrical production design fitting the classic murder mystery genre, and questions about whether the mystery or the social commentary serves as the primary vehicle for the story

(22:38) Reflect

Father Jud as a beautiful vision of pastoral ministry and faithful witness, the radical nature of Christian forgiveness depicted through confession and grace, critiques of nominal Christianity and religious power-seeking, and a call to action for the church to "wake up" and embody true faith

(01:06:52) Recommend

Related movies and books:

• Lucius's Holy Scripture of Film list, including:

  • Children of Men

  • First Reformed

  • A Hidden Life

  • Silence

  • mother!

• More from Rian Johnson

  • Brick

  • Looper

• Hercule Poirot series with Kenneth Branagh

• Chariots of Fire

• A Farewell to Mars by Brian Zahnd

• Renovation of the Church by Kent Carlson and Mike Lueken

• The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas

• In Good Time by Jen Pollock Michel

• A Rule for the Rest of Us by Jen Pollock Michel (forthcoming)