©Courtesy of Netflix
Plotting a sly takedown of a leader whose power comes from preaching anger and fear often proves to be a challenge, both on screen and in real life. The new thriller, Wake Up Dead Man, is proving just that, as its central character, Benoit Blanc, admits that its his most layered and unexpected case to date.
Rian Johnson returned to the Knives Out series to once again writer, direct and produce the latest entry. The third film in the franchise stars Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack and Thomas Haden Church.
Wake Up Dead Man follows Benoit Blanc (Craig) returns for his most dangerous case yet in the third and darkest chapter of Rian Johnson’s murder mystery opus. Young priest Jud Duplenticy (O’Connor) is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Brolin).
©Courtesy of Netflix
It soon becomes clear, however, that all is not well in the pews. Wicks’s modest but devoted flock. His followers include devout church lady Martha Delacroix (Close), circumspect groundskeeper Samson Holt (Church), tightly wound lawyer Vera Draven (Washington), aspiring politician Cy Draven (McCormack), town doctor Nat Sharp (Renner), bestselling author Lee Ross (Scott) and concert cellist Simone Vivane (Spaeny).
A sudden and seemingly impossible murder soon rocks the town. As a result, the lack of an obvious suspect prompts local police chief Geraldine Scott (Kunis) to join forces with renowned detective Benoit Blanc to unravel a mystery that defies all logic.
Like like its two predecessors, Wake Up Dead Man delivers incisive social critiques through the lens of intrigue and humor. Johnson once again fearlessly explores the nature of political hypocrisy. He directly addresses leaders who use religion as a means for spreading hate and consolidating power through the insights witnessed by Father Jud Duplenticy.
The young priest’s unique views and ways of connecting with his new congregation are perfectly set against the shadowy churchyard where most of the story is set. The drama’s production designer, Rick Heinrichs, helped emphasize the plot’s theological themes through the dilapidated elements of the old stone house of worship.
©Courtesy of Netflix
Besides Heinrichs’ richly detailed production design, the drama’s stunning visuals are captured by cinematographer Steve Yedlin. The cameras also show stunning costuming from Jenny Eagan, and enthralling editing by Bob Ducsay that captures the movie’s atmospheric tone.
Wake Up Dead Man offers a darker, faith-focused mystery with impressive visuals and stellar acting. The gothic atmosphere is more stylized than the franchise’s previous installments.
O’Connor also thrives as his scenes as the conflicted young priest, who’s driven by a mix of vulnerability, darkness and humor. The performer effortlessly embodies a character who commits himself to his faith with a sense of sincerity and struggle.
Wake Up Dead Man stands out in the Knives Out series for leaning into the commentary on political hypocrisy that has become popular in present-day news cycles. The ensemble cast of leaders that Johnson created with his actors is more overt examination into the reason why leaders use religion as a means for spreading hate and consolidating power.
A murder happens virtually right in front of many of the ensemble group of characters. The group quickly believes Father Jud is the likeliest suspect, despite there not being any evidence to support the idea. While the priest and monsignor often clash in their opinions on life and religion, Blanc isn’t convinced Father Jud is the perpetrator of what he considers to be an impossible crime.
Wake Up Dead Man is Johnson’s entry in the locked-room mystery subgenre. ]With such a constrained premise, the third entry is darker and more sincere than the previous Blancentries.
©Courtesy of Netflix
Blanc’s approach to the mystery at the heart of the film is also vastly different from the previous two entries. He has a very
complicated relationship with religion. But he’s also humble enough to know there’s something bigger happening than him at that moment.
Wake Up Dead Man proves to be both the most somber and the most thematically ambitious entry in Johnson’s Benoit Blanc trilogy. By fusing a classic locked-room mystery with an unflinching examination of faith, power, and political hypocrisy, Johnson pushes the series into darker, more introspective territory. Anchored by Craig’s quietly searching performance and O’Connor’s compelling portrayal of a priest caught between belief and doubt, the drama balances atmosphere, intellect and moral urgency with confidence.
Wake Up Dead Man compensates with depth, visual richness, and a mystery that lingers long after the final reveal. Johnson’s willingness to confront how anger and fear are weaponized by charismatic leaders gives the film a sharp relevance, making it not just a clever whodunit, but a thoughtful reflection of the moment people are currently living in. As Blanc faces a case larger than logic alone, the film cements itself as a bold, mature evolution of the series – and its most haunting chapter yet.
©Courtesy of Netflix
Overall: A
Wake Up Dead Man opened in select U.S. theaters on November 26, 2025. The mystery thriller is premiering on Netflix this weekend.
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Here’s the trailer of the film.