The standout moment in the latest installment of the Knives Out series, Wake Up, Dead Man, which premiered on Netflix this past Friday, doesn’t hinge on a grandiose monologue, a shocking murder, or a surprising plot twist. Instead, it unfolds in a subtle, poignant scene that begins with humor but evolves into a touching portrayal of human connection through faith. This memorable moment occurs when Josh O’Connor, portraying a compassionate priest, exemplifies the essence of his vocation: attentively listening.

In this third entry of the mystery franchise, crafted by writer-director Rian Johnson, Daniel Craig reprises his role as Detective Benoit Blanc. This time, Blanc finds himself unraveling a perplexing crime in a quaint New England town, where the fiery Monsignor Wicks, played by Josh Brolin, has been slain. The spotlight of suspicion falls upon the town’s new, enigmatic priest, Rev. Jud (Josh O’Connor). Convinced of Jud’s innocence, Blanc enlists his assistance in unmasking the true culprit.

A pivotal scene emerges midway through the film as Blanc and Jud edge closer to cracking the case. The key lies in identifying who placed an order with a construction company, a task that rests on Jud’s shoulders. Yet, his efforts are thwarted by Louise, the chatty secretary on the other end of the line. Brought to life by comedian Bridget Everett, recognized for her role in the Emmy-nominated Somebody, Somewhere, Louise is a veritable whirlwind of conversation.

Jud struggles to interject as Louise rambles about everything from her family business to local gossip, including the church and Monsignor Wicks. Though the scenario leans into a familiar comedic trope, Everett’s impeccable timing and O’Connor’s expressive frustration render it amusing.

However, Johnson deftly shifts the scene’s tone just as the humor begins to fade. A subtle change in Louise’s voice occurs when she requests Father Jud’s prayers, transforming the interaction. In that instant, what began as a lighthearted exchange becomes a profound and pivotal moment, marking a significant point in Father Jud’s personal journey.

With a glance at the Jesus figurine that he hadn’t hesitated to smash in pursuit of clues mere moments before, Jud asks Louise what’s wrong.

“It’s my mother,” Louise reveals, her voice wavering. “She’s in hospice. She won’t talk to me. We fought last time we talked. She has a tumor in her brain that’s affecting her, and it’s making her say really terrible things. I said bad things back, and now I’m afraid that’s going to be the last thing we ever say to other.”

At this point, Louise breaks down into tears, and confesses how alone she feels. It’s an incredible performance from Everett, who makes her few seconds of screen time count for more than should be possible. (Indeed, she makes Louise far more memorable than several of the A-list suspects.) It’s an equally compelling performance from O’Connor. We read the realization plain as day on Jud’s face: Louise is not the butt of the joke in Jud’s murder mystery romp. She’s a human being who needs help. That’s a cause that Jud has dedicated his life to. For a moment, he forgot. But Louise reminds him.

At the end of the day—just as Ana de Armas was a good nurse in the first Knives Out film—Jud is a good priest. He listens to Louise, he prays with her, and he reminds that she is not alone. With one brilliant scene, Johnson makes a compelling argument in favor of religious leaders—the good ones, at least.

The bad ones, like Monsignor Wicks, lead with fear and anger. Wicks believes a show of strength and emotional manipulation will lead to a loyal flock. Priests like him are the reason that people like Benoit Blanc—who, as we know from Glass Onion, is queer—feel the church perpetuates a harmful, disingenuous myth “filled with malevolence and misogyny and homophobia.”

Wake Up, Dead Man doesn’t argue that Blanc is wrong, nor does it end with Blanc buying into the existence of God. But through Louise, Johnson offers a counterpoint to religious critics. The church can—and should—be a source of comfort, community, and acceptance. Yes, Christianity has done a lot of harm. But in the right hands, it can do a lot of good, too.