I'm a sucker for Rian Johnson's Knives Out series. I have enjoyed every single installment. The latest one is no exception. This one takes place in the sleepy town of Chimney Rock, a fictional town in upstate New York.
The film begins at a seminary. Father Jud Duplencity (Josh O'Conner) punches another priest and as a former boxer, knocks him out. An incident that happened during his boxing career has left Father Jud feeling guilty. This guilt has led him to God and is determined to bring Christ's love to his flock.
After this incident, he is assigned to Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude where he will assist Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin). He represents everything a priest should not be. Despite this, Monsignor Wicks has a devoted following. He is unhappy that Father Jud has been assigned to his church. He tries to make Father Jud as uncomfortable possible in any way he can including during his weekly confessions.
Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close) is the church's - and therefore Monsignor's - most devoted follower. She is involved in everything the church does and does everything for the church. Monsignor Wicks' grandfather was like father to Martha and she has been devoted ever since she was a child.
The other devoted members of the church are groundskeeper Samson (Thomas Hayden Church), author Lee Ross (Andrew Scott), cellist Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny), doctor Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner), attorney Vera Draven (Kerry Washington) and her son Cy (Daryl McCormack). It should be noted that Cy is not actually her son. Vera's father previously worked as Monsignor Wick's attorney and showed up one day with a 10-year-old boy and told Vera she was now in charge of raising him.
This cast of characters are all going to be suspects in the murder. The mystery begins when the victim is murdered in the storage closet found next to the pulpit with no seemingly possible way for the murder to have occurred. The town's sheriff (Mila Kunis) brings in detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) to help solve the murder.
As usual this is a fun mystery and the resolution is as satisfying as it was in Knives Out.
The film is witty. Josh O'Conner is fantastic as the guilt ridden priest looking to turn his life around and make a positive impact on his community. Daniel Craig continues to impress with his deep southern dialect. My only complaint is that so many great actors are underused. I was happy to see Jeffrey Wright make an appearance, but was disappointed to see he only appears in the beginning and the end. Kerry Washington and Cailee Spaeny are also underused. While they are official suspects and an audience member, you never really suspect them. Still I had fun watching this one and as long as they continue to be this engaging, I will continue to enjoy them.
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