
Many movie enthusiasts eagerly await several titles slated for release in 2025, and one of them without a doubt is Wake Up Dead Man. This film marks the third addition to Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series, featuring the enigmatic detective Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig. Initial previews hinted at a shift in tone compared to previous installments, and now that the movie has been shown, this tonal change has been validated. So far, audiences have responded positively to it.
The initial sneak peek for “Wake Up Dead Man” was unveiled a couple of months back, showcasing a dark, gothic style that stood apart from the themes of “Knives Out” and “Glass Onion“. Following its screening at the Toronto International Film Festival over the weekend, critics pointed out this change in their reviews. Collider’s Perri Nemiroff expressed enthusiastic approval for the mystery film, describing it as “surprisingly unique” and lauding the acting talent.
The Magnificent Knives Out Mystery
Simply put, the third installment of Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series is a masterpiece. I must admit that my admiration for his work was already unwavering, but to see him deliver such exceptional films in this franchise is truly remarkable. What sets these mysteries apart is their unique and captivating differences from one another.
In this installment, Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc delivers an outstanding performance, facing challenges that test his detective skills like never before. And the other characters are equally compelling, making every twist and turn in the story more intriguing.
The resolution of this mystery has significant consequences for each member of the Wake Up Dead Man ensemble, which makes the movie’s climax feel especially impactful and rewarding.
One key point about Rian Johnson’s upcoming trilogy that’s garnering attention recently is the role of religion within the narrative. Critic Mike Ryan has even touched on this aspect while expressing favorable opinions towards the film. However, what seems to have truly taken him aback (in a good way) is the change in tone compared to Johnson’s previous work, even though he’s known for introducing unexpected twists in his mystery series.
Title “Wake Up Dead Man” carries a heavy religious connotation. Compared to films like Knives Out and Glass Onion, it delves deeper into seriousness, albeit maintaining some humor. Yet, the comedic elements remain, offering amusing moments. It’s heartening to see the return of our beloved character, Benoit Blanc.

Jeremy Renner Just Compared Doing A Knives Out Movie To A Marvel Movie, And I See His Point
Details about the third Knives Out movie are limited, but Rian Johnson appears to be guiding us through both a literal and metaphorical church setting for a murder mystery that pushes detective Benoit Blanc to his limits. The detective’s unconventional new hairstyle hints at a change in his mental state. Once again, Daniel Craig heads an impressive cast that includes Josh O’Connor, Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis, Josh Brolin, Kerry Washington, Glenn Close, Andrew Scott, Daryl McCormack, Cailee Spaeny, and Thomas Haden Church.
In my opinion, the ensembles in these Blanc movies have always been one of their most powerful aspects, and I’m delighted to say that this trend continues with the third installment. What’s more, it’s typical for there to be a few standout performances, and in this case, I can’t help but single out Josh O’Connor’s stellar acting as my personal favorite. When expressing his thoughts on the movie, critic Scott Menzel not only offered praise, but he specifically commended Josh O’Connor’s performance as well.
In simpler terms, the movie “Wake Up Dead Man” is exceptionally good, with Daniel Craig giving a stellar performance as Benoit Blanc, a role that truly shines. Josh O’Connor plays Father Jud in this film and he delivers an outstanding portrayal. I found the chemistry between O’Connor and Craig to be captivating and hope they collaborate again in future projects. The dark, gothic setting of the church adds a unique touch to the movie. Rian Johnson has brought something fresh to the table this time, and I believe he has successfully achieved his vision. Overall, it was an incredibly enjoyable experience.
For Rian Johnson’s franchise, the initial two films were exceptionally well-received. Thus, there was a substantial expectation for the recent release to meet that high standard. However, critic Lauren Bradshaw posited that this Netflix film from 2025 managed to show that the IP remains vigorous. Similarly to others, Bradshaw also pointed out the shift in mood in this new installment.
I’ve got to say, waking up to Knives Out: Glass Onion brought a thrilling jolt to the franchise! Unlike its predecessors, this one carries a more somber tone, but it’s far from humorless – there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that keep you engaged. Josh O’Connor steals the show as the central character, and Glenn Close delivers another captivating performance in her supporting role. It’s safe to say that this whodunit mystery has left me wanting more!
As a movie enthusiast, I must admit that rating these three mystery films seems quite challenging due to all the acclaim they’ve received. However, if you were to ask me based on my personal viewing experience, it appears that the latest installment stands out as a strong contender for the top spot.
‘The latest installment of ‘Knives Out’ stands out as its most captivating movie to date, boasting an exhilarating plot, top-notch entertainment value, and a truly exceptional execution. This achievement can be attributed to a meticulously crafted narrative and the standout performance of DANIEL CRAIG, particularly as BENOIT BLANC, arguably his best portrayal yet. Not to be outshone, Emmy-winner JOSH O’CONNOR delivers an exceptional acting feat!’
By using more descriptive language and changing the structure slightly, we’ve maintained the original sentiment while making it easier for readers to understand and enjoy the text.
Enthusiastic about the Knives Out series myself, I can’t help but feel thrilled with all the positive buzz surrounding Wake Up Dead Man. Rian Johnson isn’t currently planning any further developments for this franchise. However, if Benoit Blanc’s story were to conclude here, it seems this more subdued movie could serve as a fitting finale for the trilogy. The film is set to premiere in select cinemas for a limited time on November 26 and will be available for streaming on Netflix for subscription holders starting December 12.
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2025-09-07 19:31