Episode 351: Real Priests React to Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery with Fr. Scott Bailey
Hey Everybody! It's Fr. Edward
What happens when Hollywood calls a real priest for advice? In this episode, Fr. Edward is joined by Fr. Scott Bailey, who—quite unexpectedly—became a consultant for Wake Up Dead Man, Rian Johnson’s third Knives Out film. Through parish connections, Fr. Scott met Johnson during a visit, which led to extended conversations about priesthood, Catholic customs, and even a production-time phone call clarifying details like how and when genuflection in a church should occur. Together, two real priests react to the film and discuss: -How Catholic faith, customs, and priestly life are accurately portrayed in the movie -The reaction of Fr. Scott’s priest friends after previewing the film -Why some Catholics may feel uncomfortable with the opening scenes—and why it’s worth watching to the end, where redemption emerges -Whether Catholic priests tend to assign common penances in Confession -If the film’s comedic elements mock Christianity—or respectfully engage it -How one scene naturally leads Fr. Judd to share his vocation story -What the movie reveals about priesthood and what priests especially appreciated -The surprising resonance of the parish name Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude This is a thoughtful, honest, and engaging conversation about faith, film, and the priesthood—offering insight for Catholics and movie lovers alike.