Wake Up Dead Man Review: How are you all? Let me tell you about one of the most unique Sunday mornings I’ve had in a long time. Picture this: it’s 8:30 a.m., Toronto, and I’m sitting in a packed theater with Ryan Johnson, Daniel Craig, and the cast of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. That alone already made the experience memorable, but the film itself? It blew past my expectations.
This third entry proves Johnson isn’t just cashing checks from Netflix; he’s actually reinventing the wheel with each chapter.
My Rating: 3.5/5
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Title | Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery |
| Franchise | Knives Out (3rd film) |
| Director / Writer | Rian Johnson |
| Main Star | Daniel Craig as Detective Benoit Blanc |
| Genre | Mystery, Crime, Thriller |
| Release Date (Theatrical) | 2025 (Exact TBD, Netflix + limited theaters) |
| Premiere | Toronto International Film Festival 2025 |
| Platform | Netflix (global release) |
| Cast Highlights | Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Cailee Spaeny, Glenn Close, Andrew Scott, Jeremy Renner (cameo rumored) |
Knives Out Franchise at a Glance
The first Knives Out was lightning in a bottle, an Agatha Christie-style whodunit with modern wit. Glass Onion took risks, expanding the world with a bigger, flashier mystery. Some fans felt it lost the intimacy of the first, while others praised its satire.
This third film? It feels like Johnson circled back to the core of why Knives Out worked: tightly wound mystery, compelling characters, and a puzzle that keeps you second-guessing yourself until the end.
The Third Entry – Wake Up Dead Man
Here’s the setup: religion, faith, and community take center stage. The story unfolds in a parish where personalities clash, faith gets exploited, and one unexplained crime throws everything into chaos.
Instead of a flashy mansion or billionaire’s island, we’re in a parish thick with symbolism and darker tones. It’s quieter, more unsettling, and, in a way, more daring.
Ryan Johnson’s Direction
Johnson thrives on misdirection, and this film is no exception. What struck me most was how he leaned into religious imagery, candles, shadows, stained glass, and used them to amplify suspense.
And the Toronto premiere? Johnson even said he prefers it to Cannes because it’s more open to the community. Watching it with that crowd made the tension sharper; people gasped, laughed nervously, and leaned forward at every reveal.
Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc
Let’s be real: you can’t have Knives Out without Benoit Blanc. Daniel Craig once again nails the role, but in a more restrained way. He’s less flamboyant, less in-your-face, and more observant.
This time, Blanc listens more than he talks. He lets others drive the investigation while guiding from the background. It’s a smart shift that gives space to other characters.
Josh O’Connor’s Breakthrough Performance
And speaking of other characters, Josh O’Connor owns this movie. Playing Jud, an ex-boxer turned priest, he walks into a parish already controlled by Monsignor Wicks (Josh Brolin). O’Connor’s performance is layered, subtle, and powerful, arguably the best in the film.
I honestly didn’t expect anyone to outshine Craig, but O’Connor does. His quiet intensity makes him the emotional anchor of the story.
Josh Brolin as Monsignor Wicks
Brolin is menacing without being cartoonish. His character has built a cult of personality, and you can see how he manipulates people with every sermon. He’s charming, dangerous, and deeply unsettling, a perfect foil for O’Connor.
Supporting Cast
The film doesn’t waste its supporting players either. Glenn Close gets a killer monologue that had the audience holding its breath. Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Mila Kunis, and Jeremy Renner all pop up, some with brief but memorable turns.
It’s almost overwhelming at times; there are so many big names, you wonder who really matters. But that’s part of Johnson’s game: anyone could matter.
Themes and Symbolism
Religion, faith, miracles, and manipulation, this film doesn’t shy away from heavy themes. It shows how faith can be both a guiding light and a dangerous tool in the wrong hands.
It’s also about community: the desperate, the hopeful, the skeptical, and the blindly loyal, all trapped in one parish with secrets boiling under the surface.
The Mystery Itself
Johnson loves to hand you puzzle pieces, make you think you’ve got it figured out, and then rip the rug out from under you. Wake Up Dead Man does this masterfully.
The investigation feels organic; characters stumble, argue, mislead, and reveal themselves bit by bit. By the time the truth comes out, you feel like you’ve been part of the case.
Tone and Aesthetic
Visually, the film leans hard into darkness, literally. Many scenes are dimly lit, filled with shadow, stained glass, or candlelight. It’s a sharp contrast to the sunny, colorful world of Glass Onion.
That choice keeps you unsettled, constantly aware that something sinister lurks behind every corner.
Also Read: The Conjuring Last Rites Review – A Final Goodbye to Ed and Lorraine Warren
Comparisons to Previous Films
Compared to the first film, this one is more ambitious in scope. Compared to Glass Onion, it’s less flashy but more layered.
Some elements from Glass Onion (like Blanc’s hinted backstory) are missing, which left me conflicted. But maybe that’s Johnson’s plan—keep each story self-contained while Blanc remains the throughline.
My Personal Take
This is easily the most ambitious Knives Out yet, and I walked out buzzing with excitement. The Toronto audience seemed to feel the same applause, chatter, and debates in the lobby.
It’s a film you’ll want to watch twice because once you know the ending, every earlier scene feels different.
Strengths vs Weaknesses
| Good | Bad |
|---|---|
| Josh O’Connor’s performance – a career-defining role | Too many supporting characters with little screen time |
| Dark, symbolic visuals that match the themes | Dropped threads from Glass Onion |
| Rian Johnson’s tight writing and misdirection | An overstuffed cast can distract from the main plot |
| Glenn Close’s monologue – unforgettable | Some themes (like media/technology) not fully explored |
| A mystery that keeps you guessing | An Overstuffed cast can distract from the main plot |
Future of the Franchise
After the screening, Johnson hinted there could be a fourth film. He half-joked that it’s up to Netflix, but with how much they paid for the rights, it’s safe to say this won’t be the last.
And honestly, with the way he reinvents each film, I’m all in for whatever comes next.
Conclusion
Wake Up Dead Man proves the Knives Out series isn’t slowing down. It’s darker, more ambitious, and full of standout performances, especially Josh O’Connor’s.
If you’re a fan of mystery films that actually make you think while keeping you entertained, this is a must-watch.
FAQs
1. Do I need to watch the first two Knives Out films before this one?
Not really. Each film stands alone, but you’ll appreciate Benoit Blanc more if you’ve seen his earlier cases.
2. Is Daniel Craig still the lead in this film?
Yes, though he takes a more restrained role, giving room for other characters to shine.
3. Is the film very religious in tone?
It uses religion as a backdrop and theme, but it’s still very much a mystery-thriller first.
4. How long is the movie?
Just over two hours, but it never drags; you’ll be hooked throughout.
5. Will there be a fourth Knives Out film?
Johnson hasn’t confirmed, but based on his comments and Netflix’s investment, it’s very likely.