Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Review (2025): The American mystery film “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is the third instalment overall in Rian Johnson’s beloved Knives Out film series, and it was finally aired on Netflix on December 12, 2025, following the November 26 selected theatrical release in the US.
The highly anticipated film has arrived with a richer tone, a deeper mystery, and an ensemble cast at the top of their craft. Daniel Craig has returned as detective Benoit Blanc, and he is seen in a slightly more serious, sharply tailored avatar. In this Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery review, we will break down its plot, acting performances, highlights & drawbacks, and more.
Film Details and Rating
| OTT Release Date | December 12, 2025 |
| OTT platform | Netflix |
| Director and Writer | Rian Johnson |
| Stars | Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, and others |
| Rating | 4/5 |
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Plot Breakdown
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery starts with the shocking murder of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin). Jeffron Wicks is a fierce and unapologetic priest who is known for his thunderous sermons and extreme views. Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) arrives at the rural church to investigate. And, in his investigation, he finds himself caught in a clash of faith, politics, and deeply buried grudges.
The prime suspect is Father Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor). He is seen as a gentle and thoughtful junior priest who was previously recorded threatening to “cut out” the Monsignor like a cancer. Their relationship becomes the emotional centre of the mystery. Things get interesting when atheist Blanc confronts Jud’s unwavering belief system, and this leads to an unexpected, almost surreal encounter with the concept of resurrection.
Around the church, a chaotic lineup of eccentric parishioners each hide their own motives. A sickly cellist (Cailee Spaeny), a failed sci-fi writer (Andrew Scott), a high-profile lawyer (Kerry Washington), a spiralling doctor (Jeremy Renner), a loyal housekeeper (Glenn Close), and a watchful groundskeeper (Thomas Haden Church). Every character has a connection to the Monsignor.
However, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is different from traditional whodunnits because the film leans into deadpan absurdism. The mystery unfolds in an increasingly bizarre, convoluted fashion, and this shifts the focus from logic-driven deduction to character-driven comedy.
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Cast Performances
Daniel Craig has delivered a very controlled and compelling performance as Benoit Blanc. He brings out his Southern humour while still maintaining his distinctive charm. His quieter seriousness works beautifully against Josh O’Connor’s standout portrayal of Father Jud. Father Jud’s role has showcased O’Connor’s ability to balance innocence, intensity, and emotional conflict.
Josh Brolin roars through his limited screen time. Additionally, Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Jeremy Renner, Andrew Scott, Daryl McCormack, and Cailee Spaeny all bring sharp comic timing to their exaggerated personas. However, O’Connor is clearly the centre of the film, as she emerges as the emotional anchor and easily steals the film.
Highlights and Drawbacks
Highlights
- The Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery film is supported by a stellar ensemble cast that has the career-best moments from Josh O’Connor.
- Rian Johnson’s sharp writing and signature blend of humour & mystery deserve applause.
- There are few creative references to classic locked-room mysteries.
- Gorgeous cinematography and atmospheric church setting
- Daniel Craig’s refined, quietly powerful interpretation of Blanc
Drawbacks
- Mystery becomes overly convoluted in the final stretch
- Less of a twist-based whodunnit, more of an absurdist ensemble story
- Some characters feel underused despite the heavy star power
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Personal Opinion
Wake Up Dead Man feels like the most experimental and narratively playful Knives Out film yet. The characters are the core of the film, and they drive the fun far more than the puzzle. Not to forget, O’Connor’s performance adds unexpected emotional depth. However, the central mystery is not as sharp as the first film, but the deadpan humour and theatrical ensemble make Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery a delightful, unforgettable ride.
Final Verdict
Finally, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery takes us to a witty, eccentric, and brilliantly acted film as it looks to expand the Knives Out universe with bold narrative choices. The film is supported by a powerhouse cast, and it is anchored by standout performances from Daniel Craig and Josh O’Connor.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery show is darkly funny and a star-studded mystery that is elevated by Josh O’Connor’s exceptional performance.
