Rian Johnson has done it again with Wake Up Dead Man, another clever and satisfying whodunit that offers something different to its two predecessors. It feels like a fitting film for the moment by focusing on the hatred festering in closed off communities and the importance of letting it go in order to move on but it's still a really fun mystery as well. It'll benefit from repeat viewings and definitely plays well on the big screen, making its future on Netflix frustrating. Josh O'Connor is this film's greatest asset. He gives a fantastic performance where he gets to be sensitive, funny and navigate his character's anger in an empathetic fashion. Daniel Craig only continues to be a hilarious highlight who feels very comfortable with the intelligence and heart of Benoit Blanc now that he's played the character three times. Together, they are a wonderful pairing who only get funnier and more lovable when playing off each other. Everyone else in the star studded cast is great. Josh Brolin is initially unrecognisable as he quickly becomes a commanding presence and Glenn Close has a suitably unwavering commitment. Jeremy Renner, Andrew Scott and Daryl McCormack all know how to mine the pathetic nature of their characters for comedic effect. Cailee Spaeny and Thomas Haden Church are more sympathetic than the rest of the characteristically self-obsessed suspects here. Rian Johnson's direction ensures this instalment has its own look and feel when compared to what came before thanks to some horror movie flourishes and a slightly darker tone. Steve Yedlin's dynamic cinematography also helps to make the film feel different and it generally looks a lot better than so many Netflix originals with graceful camerawork, striking lighting and a richer texture. Nathan Johnson's score effortlessly adapts to the new style too.

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