One film that stands out for its final shot feeling accusatory is Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. In this 2025 movie directed by Rian Johnson, detective Benoit Blanc delivers a long-winded rant accusing Christianity of oppression, violence, misogyny, and homophobia right near the end. The camera lingers in a way that points the finger at the audience, making viewers feel judged for any ties to traditional faith or conservative views. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/knives-out-3-wake-up-dead-man-movie-review-2025 Critics note this as part of an accusatory grandstanding scene where judgment hangs over every character, and by extension, anyone watching. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/knives-out-3-wake-up-dead-man-movie-review-2025
The story follows Reverend Jud Duplencity, played by Josh OConnor, a young priest sent to a troubled New York parish after punching a deacon. He clashes with Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, portrayed by Josh Brolin as a fire-breathing preacher who uses shame and guilt to control his flock. Wicks sees faith under attack and pushes back with anger, while Jud preaches kindness and welcomes outsiders. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/knives-out-3-wake-up-dead-man-movie-review-2025 The film builds tension around a murder, with suspects like a conspiracy-obsessed writer, a pain-stricken believer, and a politician weaponizing outrage. Blanc uncovers secrets, but the ending dodges real resolution on faith conflicts, letting villains face justice without heroes making hard choices. https://religionunplugged.com/news/2025/12/15/whats-wrong-with-wake-up-dead-man-a-knives-out-mystery-and-hollywoods-faith-based-renaissance
This accusatory close ties into broader themes in the Knives Out series, where villains often embody conservative stereotypes like judgmental churchgoers or fear-mongering politicians. Blanc’s unchallenged speech on Christianity’s dark side leaves a sting, as if the film blames viewers for not rejecting the past outright. https://religionunplugged.com/news/2025/12/15/whats-wrong-with-wake-up-dead-man-a-knives-out-mystery-and-hollywoods-faith-based-renaissance It mirrors how some films use final moments to whisper-shout cultural critiques, much like undertones in older movies such as Philadelphia, where subtle jabs at social issues mix with mainstream appeal. https://tylersage.substack.com/p/a-reactionary-cop-and-a-gay-lawyer
Viewers report the shot hits hard because it picks sides in culture wars without balance, turning a whodunit into a pointed glare. Jud’s journey from anger to atonement adds depth, but the film’s one-sided blame amplifies that final accusatory punch.
Sources
https://tylersage.substack.com/p/a-reactionary-cop-and-a-gay-lawyer
https://religionunplugged.com/news/2025/12/15/whats-wrong-with-wake-up-dead-man-a-knives-out-mystery-and-hollywoods-faith-based-renaissance
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/knives-out-3-wake-up-dead-man-movie-review-2025
https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/john-carpenter/john-carpenter-music-themes-interview
