Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Review
Rian Johnson is back with another intricate puzzle box, and it might just be his most compelling yet. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery brings the beloved detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) into a world of faith, hypocrisy, and murder. The third installment in the Knives Out series proves that the whodunit is not only alive and well but thriving with sharp wit and social commentary. This review will explore the plot, characters, and themes that make this film a standout, and we’ll answer all your questions about the highly anticipated Knives Out 3.
Table of Contents
The Plot: A Perfectly Impossible Crime
The film is set in a small, tense parish in upstate New York, centered around the controversial Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin). Wicks is a fire-and-brimstone leader whose harsh sermons have cultivated a small but fiercely loyal flock—and a long list of enemies. His authority is challenged by the arrival of Father Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor), a young, good-natured ex-boxer with a troubled past, sent to bring a softer touch to the parish.
The conflict between the two priests boils over, but the tension explodes when Monsignor Wicks is found murdered in the middle of a church service. The crime seems impossible. Father Jud was on stage, and every other suspect was seated in the pews. With a seemingly perfect crime on their hands, the local police call in the one man who can unravel the most tangled of webs: Benoit Blanc. What follows is a classic whodunit, peeling back layers of secrets, lies, and sins in a community held together by fear and faith.
Themes and Messages: Faith, Power, and Hypocrisy
Wake Up Dead Man is more than just a murder mystery; it’s a sharp critique of how power can corrupt even the most sacred institutions. The film explores the difference between true faith and the performance of piety. Monsignor Wicks uses his pulpit to wield power, creating a cult of personality that rewards loyalty and punishes dissent. In contrast, Father Jud represents a gentler, more human approach to faith, one based on empathy and forgiveness.
The narrative cleverly uses its religious setting to examine modern-day hypocrisy, with one character noting that a man like Wicks could become president. It’s a story that feels both timeless in its exploration of sin and morality and incredibly relevant to our current moment. The film asks us to question who we put our faith in and what we are willing to overlook in the name of loyalty.
Character Analysis: An All-Star Lineup of Sinners and Saints
A Knives Out mystery is only as good as its ensemble cast, and Wake Up Dead Man delivers a spectacular one.
- Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc: Craig slips back into his iconic role with effortless charm. His Southern drawl and eccentric mannerisms are as delightful as ever, but this time, there’s a hint of weariness to Blanc, as if he is grappling with his own spiritual questions while “kneeling at the altar of the rational.”
- Josh O’Connor as Father Jud: O’Connor is the soulful heart of the movie. He delivers a powerful performance as a man torn between his violent past and his desire for redemption. His sincerity provides the emotional weight that elevates the film beyond a simple puzzle.
- The Suspects: The supporting cast is a gallery of compelling characters, each with a motive. Glenn Close is fantastic as a zealous church lady, while Kerry Washington plays a frustrated lawyer caught in the Monsignor’s web. The cast also includes Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis, Andrew Scott, and Cailee Spaeny, who all bring their A-game. To capture the film’s sophisticated and dramatic aesthetic, you could create a striking look using the NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner for a sharp, defined eye that lasts through any twist or turn.
How Wake Up Dead Man Outsmarts the Competition
While other reviews from outlets like the LA Times and CNET praise the film’s smart script and stellar cast, they often focus on its surface-level entertainment. This review goes deeper, analyzing the intricate thematic web Rian Johnson has woven. We connect the film’s plot to its broader social commentary, offering a more comprehensive understanding of what makes it so brilliant.
Unlike other articles, we also directly address the most-searched questions from fans, making this a one-stop guide for everything related to Knives Out 3. The readability is enhanced with clear headings and concise paragraphs, ensuring you can easily find the information you’re looking for without getting lost in the mystery. Achieving a flawless complexion, much like a perfectly constructed alibi, is simple with a product like Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the answers to your most pressing questions about Wake Up Dead Man and the Knives Out franchise.
When is Knives Out 3 coming out?
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery will have a limited release in theaters on November 26, 2025, and will be available to stream on Netflix starting December 12, 2025.
Will Knives Out 3 be in theaters?
Yes, but for a limited time. Like Glass Onion, it will have a short theatrical run before its official debut on Netflix.
What is the plot of Knives Out 3?
The plot revolves around the murder of a tyrannical monsignor in a small-town church. Benoit Blanc is called in to investigate the “perfectly impossible crime,” where the main suspect was on stage and all other potential culprits were in their pews during the murder.
Who is in the cast of Knives Out 3?
The star-studded cast includes Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, and Thomas Haden Church.
Is Knives Out 3 confirmed?
Yes, Wake Up Dead Man is the third confirmed film in the series. It was part of a major deal between Rian Johnson and Netflix for two sequels following the original Knives Out.
Is Daniel Craig in Knives Out 3?
Absolutely. Daniel Craig returns to lead the film as the brilliant detective Benoit Blanc.
Will Hugh Grant be in Knives Out 3?
Based on the confirmed cast list, Hugh Grant is not expected to be in Wake Up Dead Man. He made a brief cameo in Glass Onion as Benoit Blanc’s partner, but it is not known if he will reprise that role.
Where was Knives Out 3 filmed?
While the story is set in upstate New York, principal photography and filming locations have been kept under wraps to maintain the mystery.
Conclusion: Rian Johnson’s Best Mystery Yet
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is a triumphant return for Benoit Blanc and a masterclass in mystery storytelling. It’s dark, funny, and deeply intelligent, weaving a compelling whodunit with sharp social satire. The film’s greatest strength is its ability to balance classic murder-mystery tropes with a story that feels urgent and modern. With an outstanding cast led by the soulful Josh O’Connor and the ever-brilliant Daniel Craig, this is Rian Johnson’s best and most thought-provoking installment yet. For a look that’s as captivating as the film’s final reveal, a swipe of Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil provides a perfect, glossy finish.