Wake Up Dead Man Ending Explained: Who Killed Monsignor Wicks and What It All Means Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery has been gaining a lot of attention, as it has delivered one of the most layered and intellectually ambitious endings in the Benoit Blanc franchise. The ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery‘ ending is supported by the playful satire of Glass Onion, the classic whodunnit of Knives Out, and more.
This third chapter takes us into the moment of faith, power, manipulation, and moral compromise. This write-up will make you learn about who really killed Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, how the impossible crime was pulled off, who the true mastermind was, and what the ending ultimately signifies.
The Murder Setup: Why Father Jud Was the Prime Suspect
The film’s central mystery revolves around the murder of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin). He collapses to death in a sealed chamber moments after he has delivered a venomous Good Friday sermon. However, soon, the suspicion immediately falls on Father Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor). Father Jud Duplenticy is the junior pastor who has publicly opposed Wicks and had a crucial nine-second window alone near the crime scene.
Jud’s visible anger, ideological clash with Wicks, and physical proximity make him the perfect suspect. However, Detective Benoit Blanc soon sensed that Jud is being framed, and that’s not just legally, but it is also morally.
The Real Killer Revealed: Dr. Nat Sharp
The actual murderer is Dr. Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner), who is a troubled local physician who is battling addiction and resentment. However, Nat orchestrates the “impossible” murder with the help of deception rather than brute force.
He secretly drugged Wicks’ flask with a tranquilliser, and this rendered him unconscious before the apparent stabbing. A fake blood squib sewn into Wicks’ vestment. It is triggered remotely and has convinced Jud that Wicks was already dead when he entered the room.
Crucially, Nat failed to retrieve the drugged flask. This overlooked detail allows Blanc to expose Nat as the killer.
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The Mastermind Behind It All: Martha Delacroix
Nat committed the murder, but the true architect of the plan was Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close). She is the church’s long-time administrator. Martha’s motives were very deep, as they were largely rooted in faith, legacy, and control rather than greed alone.
She knew the secret of Eve’s Apple diamond that was hidden inside the body of Wicks’ grandfather. Martha devised a radical plan to kill Wicks and stage a fake resurrection to restore faith in the church when she understood that Wicks planned to desecrate his ancestor’s remains and exploit the diamond for power.
However, Nat’s greed derailed everything. He murdered Samson. He stole the diamond and attempted to poison Martha. In a final reversal, Martha switches the teacups and kills Nat instead, but not before ingesting poison herself.
The Final Confession and Sacrifice
Martha confesses publicly as she collapses into Jud’s arms and seeks forgiveness. She is sorry not just for murder but for past sins, and this includes her silence over Wicks’ abuses. Her death becomes an act of penance, and it is not just an escape.
Jud ultimately hides the diamond forever, as it is now embedded into a newly crafted crucifix. The symbol of corruption is transformed into one of humility.
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Final Takeaway
Finally, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery has ended as a haunting meditation on power, belief, and moral responsibility. The mystery is solved. However, the questions it raises linger long after the final frame.
Watch Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Trailer
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