I love how former Star Wars director Rian Johnson showcased both the light and dark sides of a religion in Wake Up Dead Man. This is expressed both visually in how the cinematography plays with light and has it shift dramatically in a number of key scenes, but most importantly, it's expressed thematically in how the film condemns the corrupting and harmful aspects of Christianity at the same time that it celebrates the core tenet of grace that Christianity is built on.
The theme of grace is most glaring in the character Grace, of course, who was never shown grace in her life by her family or church, and then is finally given it at the end by her condemner Martha. But I like the smaller graces shown throughout the film too, like Jud taking time to console Louise on the phone, showing her that loving grace when he started out so impatient with her. That was one of the best parts of the whole film.
And I like how even the non-religious character Benoit Blanc gives grace. He's willing to humble himself and pretend he can't solve the case all so that Martha can give her confession in the way that's important to her as a woman of faith, even though he doesn't have any faith of his own. He sacrifices his pride for her, even though she's a murderer and doesn't deserve it. Because that's what grace is about, showing love even when it's not deserved. Choosing kindness over justice. It was beautiful.
So even though Jud, with his dark hair in his black priest garb, and Blanc, with his light hair in his light suit whose name literally means "white," are set up as opposing sides, even at the very end, still opposed in their beliefs, neither one swayed in their faith or loyalty to their side, they are shown as unified in their core values and who they are as kind people. They respect each other and complement each other and make each other stronger. Again, such a beautiful balance and beautiful message on how we can love and work together with people who may seem very different from us.
