The third whodunit in the Knives Out series is once more written and directed by the talented Rian Johnson. The story opens with a new priest and ex-fighter who is sent to the small congregation of Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude outside of New York.
The tight-knit community comprises the usual suspects: a doctor, lawyer, writer, musician, etc. This is an ensemble cast, including Glenn Close playing the dedicated church wardress, Martha. Josh Brolin plays the charismatic church leader, Rev. Jefferson Wicks—a fire-and-brimstone type with a seemingly slavish following. Josh O’Connor (Charles in The Crown), as the new priest Judd, is a great foil to Brolin’s ire and really steals the show with his luminous portrayal of an earnest follower of Christ.
The first act is marvellously entertaining and cuts along at a strapping pace. When Jefferson Wicks is murdered in “a textbook impossible case” the ante is upped. Enter Daniel Craig, reviving his role as detective Benoit Blanc. Alas! Craig’s performance wavers, as does his Southern accent, which, you might charitably say owes no allegiance to any particular country. (As a point of reference for nailing accents, David Suchet’s flawless performance as Poirot, or, perhaps more lately, Russell Crowe’s Hermann Göring, leaves Craig’s efforts for dust.)
Naturally, there are enough red herrings, MacGuffins and twists to give even Agatha Christie a headache. Whom among the motley congregation is guilty? (Yes. I’d worked it out, but then I’ve read a bit—I’ll give you a clue, the casting.)
A benediction on cinematographer Steve Yedlin and the art direction, lighting and set-design crews, who offer up a suitably Gothic setting that is a pleasure to observe.
However, overly long at two-hours-plus, the film begins to falter; one confesses to losing interest in the unappealing characters and silly plot points. There’s also rather more liturgical excess/exposition than is ideal in one sitting/service/sermon.
Overall, this is an entertaining romp through the murder-mystery genre, and fans of the series WILL be absolved.
My rating: 3 (mostly sharp) knives out of five.
Cassocks, candles and demonstrably substandard woodworking skills.