Wake Up Dead Man is The Best Episode of Poirot I've Ever Seen (Spoiler Free Impressions)

Wake Up Dead Man Title Screen (i accidentally watched this in russian at first)

I hesitated for weeks now to watch this movie. My roommates, whom I love and adore and will never listen to their opinions ever again, did not care for Wake Up Dead Man. 

As I am easily influenced by those who I love, I abstained from watching out of fear that I would have a very bad two hours. 

This was ultimately a mistake.

The whole time my roommates were describing what they didn't like about Wake Up Dead Man, I was irresistibly put in mind of a particularly mid episode of Poirot. The one with David Suchet, naturally.

And as much as I love Poirot, it did have a few letdowns, notably as it went on. A darker tone, confusing symbolism sacrificed at the altar of a coherent plot, and vapid side characters.

So, when I finally decided to wade into this adventure today, I was keeping these things in the back of my brain.

I am happy to report that I enjoyed this movie greatly.

While I would need longer than a day to fully process and appreciate the finer themes and details of this movie, I can layout my first impressions

The score, cinematography and editing* are exquisite, as is the case for all of the Knives Out movies. 

Daniel Craig is in top form, swanning about in a brown suit and kitten-heeled formal shoes. He is a force of excellent physical comedy and heartaching sincerity, and much like Monsieur Poirot is a driving force but not the core of the film.

Acting is certainly not a criticism that can be levelled against Wake Up Dead Man. Everyone is acting their sweet little asses off (with the exception of Mila Kunis, but that is a given).

On that note, however, I must bring up my sole disappointment and one that is half shared with my roommates- and that is the relative shallowness of the side characters. Specifically Kerry Washington's Vera, who does not get nearly enough to do despite having some of the most magnetic screen presence.

I will admit, with a two hour runtime it can feel like wasted potential having all these side characters who don't do much but look horrified and smug in turn. Especially in relation to Glass Onion, which does everything it can with it's ensemble. But again, I was prepared for shallow characters a la detective fiction at large, so I was able to brush all of that off.

As for the rest, I enjoyed our main character in Jud, everyone who was meant to be hated was hated wholeheartedly, and it was a treat for the eyes.

I might revisit at a later date when my thoughts have fully percolated, but for now I can highly recommend Wake Up Dead Man and I have to do my dishes.

*The cut to the title screen is so excellent, I'm still thinking about it.