“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” proves that Benoit Blanc still has plenty of life – and puzzles – left in him. Darker, more spiritual, and emotionally richer than its predecessors, the third film in Rian Johnson’s acclaimed mystery series delivers a gripping, twisty whodunit anchored by a powerhouse ensemble and a surprisingly soulful story about faith, power, and guilt.
A Star-Studded Cast That Elevates Every Scene
Daniel Craig returns as Detective Benoit Blanc, once again stealing every scene with his now-iconic Southern drawl, sharp observational humor, and quiet melancholy. This time, he lands in a small religious community shaken by a seemingly impossible murder, and Craig plays him as a little wearier, a little sadder, but still razor-sharp and deeply compassionate.
The supporting cast is one of the strongest in the series so far. Josh O’Connor gives a standout performance as young priest Jud Duplenticy, whose crisis of faith becomes the emotional spine of the film. Josh Brolin is electric as fiery monsignor Jefferson Wicks, Glenn Close brings gravitas and fragility to devout parishioner Martha Delacroix, and Andrew Scott shines as enigmatic author Lee Ross. The ensemble also includes Mila Kunis as police chief Geraldine Scott, Jeremy Renner as town doctor Nat Sharp, Kerry Washington as tightly wound lawyer Vera Draven, Daryl McCormack as aspiring politician Cy Draven, Cailee Spaeny as concert cellist Simone Vivane, and Thomas Haden Church as groundskeeper Samson Holt. Each character feels like a potential suspect with real motives, secrets, and wounds, making the mystery feel satisfyingly dense without losing its human core.
Rian Johnson’s Darkest – and Most Personal – Knives Out Yet
Written and directed by Rian Johnson, “Wake Up Dead Man” is the third entry in the Knives Out series, and you can feel his confidence in every frame. In Q&As, Johnson has described this film as Blanc’s “most dangerous case yet” and deliberately “the darkest of the three,” leaning into themes of religious fervor, cults of personality, and the ways faith can be twisted for control. Rather than just playing with rich-people satire, he digs into small-town power structures and the deep emotional damage hiding behind piety and respectability.
Johnson also talks about the joy and challenge of building a new ensemble each time, writing roles with specific actors in mind and then fine-tuning the script once the cast is locked. Visually, he reunites with cinematographer Steve Yedlin, editor Bob Ducsay, production designer Rick Heinrichs, and composer Nathan Johnson, giving the film a distinct, moody look and a haunting score that leans more gothic and sacred than the jazzy feel of the earlier films. It still has the playful energy fans expect, but with a heavier emotional aftertaste that lingers long after the credits.
Critical Reception and Review Ratings
Critics have embraced “Wake Up Dead Man” as another high point for the series. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds around a 92% approval rating from critics, with the consensus praising its “genuinely soulful fixation on faith” and calling Josh O’Connor’s performance scene-stealing. Metacritic scores the film at 81 out of 100, signaling “universal acclaim” from top reviewers. Many critics describe it as both the most ambitious and most emotionally affecting Knives Out entry to date.
Audiences, too, have responded enthusiastically. Early user reviews highlight the layered script, the central mystery’s satisfying payoff, and the way the film balances humor, suspense, and genuine heartbreak. Some viewers note that the first act feels a bit overloaded with characters and exposition, but most agree that once the murder hits and Blanc fully engages, the film locks into a gripping rhythm that pays off in classic Johnson fashion.
Knives Out’s Box Office and Streaming Legacy
Part of what makes “Wake Up Dead Man” so exciting is the legacy it builds on. The original “Knives Out” (2019), released theatrically by Lionsgate, was a genuine box office surprise, earning about $165 million domestically and roughly $312 million worldwide on a modest budget. Its success proved that an original, star-studded mystery could still draw big crowds in an era dominated by franchises and superheroes.
Its sequel, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” (2022), followed a different path. Netflix reportedly paid around $450 million for two sequels, giving “Glass Onion” a limited theatrical run before moving it to streaming. Estimates suggest it could have crossed $100 million at the global box office with a traditional rollout, but instead its impact showed up in viewership: Netflix reported tens of millions of accounts watching within weeks, making it one of the platform’s biggest original films. “Wake Up Dead Man” continues this hybrid model with a theatrical window followed by a Netflix release, cementing Benoit Blanc as both a box office draw and a streaming powerhouse.
What’s Next for Benoit Blanc and Knives Out?
“Wake Up Dead Man” feels like both a culmination and a new beginning. Rian Johnson has said he still has plenty of ideas for more Benoit Blanc mysteries and loves the “Agatha Christie” approach of dropping the same detective into totally different worlds and tones each time. With three critically acclaimed entries and strong theatrical and streaming performance, there’s every reason to believe Netflix and Johnson will continue the partnership beyond the original two‑sequel deal.
For fans, that means more chances to see Daniel Craig’s Blanc spar with new ensembles, new social themes, and new puzzles that feel both timeless and sharply of-the-moment. If “Wake Up Dead Man” is any indication, the future of the Knives Out series is bright—and just twisted enough to keep us guessing, theorizing, and eagerly lining up for Blanc’s next great mystery.
