Mystery Reimagined: Rian Johnson’s “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” the third installment in the acclaimed series, is generating considerable excitement. Early reviews, as reported by outlets like Entertainment Weekly and Marie Claire, are praising the film for its darker, twistier narrative and emotionally resonant storytelling. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025, and currently holds a strong 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling a promising addition to the whodunit franchise.
The Case Unfolds: A Synopsis
“Wake Up Dead Man” presents a seemingly impossible crime for Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Daniel Craig, to solve. According to The Daily Beast, Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, played by Josh Brolin, is found murdered in a sealed concrete box immediately after delivering a sermon, in full view of the congregation. This locked-room mystery, as described by local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis), requires Blanc’s unique skills to unravel. Rian Johnson, serving as both writer and director, has crafted this installment as a standalone sequel, ensuring a fresh and engaging puzzle for both returning fans and new viewers. Netflix is distributing the film, as noted by Collider, continuing its investment in the popular franchise.
The Ensemble Cast: Suspects and Key Players
A hallmark of the “Knives Out” series is its stellar ensemble cast, and “Wake Up Dead Man” is no exception. Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc, facing what he calls his “most dangerous case yet.” The suspects and key players, as detailed by People.com, include:
- Josh O’Connor as Rev. Jud Duplenticy
- Glenn Close as Martha Delacroix
- Josh Brolin as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (the victim)
- Mila Kunis as local police chief Geraldine Scott
- Jeremy Renner as Dr. Nat Sharp
- Kerry Washington as Vera Draven
- Andrew Scott as Lee Ross
- Cailee Spaeny as Simone Vivane
- Daryl McCormack as Cy Draven
- Thomas Haden Church as Samson Holt
Ram Bergman and Katie McNeill join Rian Johnson as producers, ensuring a high level of creative oversight, as reported by Yahoo News Canada.
Timeline: Release and Production
The timeline for “Wake Up Dead Man” is as follows:
- June 10, 2024: Production officially commenced.
- September 6, 2025: World premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
- September 8, 2025: Full trailer released (available on Netflix’s official YouTube channel).
- October 8, 2025: International premiere at the BFI London Film Festival.
- November 26, 2025: Limited theatrical release begins in the United States.
- November 28, 2025: Limited theatrical release in the UK and Ireland.
- December 12, 2025: Global release on Netflix.
A New Setting: Gothic Vibe
Unlike its predecessors, “Wake Up Dead Man” shifts the setting from grand estates to a small town in upstate New York. According to Tom’s Guide, the primary location is an old stone church, complete with graveyards, which lends a distinct “gothic vibe” and “sombre” atmosphere to the narrative. This change in scenery promises a different visual and emotional experience for viewers, enhancing the darker tone of the mystery.
Exploring the “Why”: Themes and Inspirations
The central question of “why” Monsignor Wicks was murdered is the driving force behind the film’s narrative. Rian Johnson has stated that “Wake Up Dead Man” delves into darker thematic territory compared to previous installments. As noted by GamesRadar, Johnson drew inspiration from classic detective fiction, including G.K. Chesterton’s Father Brown mysteries and Agatha Christie’s “Murder at the Vicarage,” to explore themes of faith, logic, guilt, and morality within the church setting. The narrative aims to be “twistier, darker, and more emotional” than its predecessors, promising a deeper exploration of human nature.
Impact: A Modern Whodunit
Early reviews suggest that “Wake Up Dead Man” successfully delivers on its promise of a darker and twistier mystery. Critics are praising the film for its intricate and “unsolvable” locked-room mystery, which Radio Times describes as “catnip” for Benoit Blanc. The shift to a gothic setting and its exploration of deeper spiritual and existential questions are being highlighted as ambitious and effective. FandomWire calls it “Rian Johnson’s best and most ambitious Benoit Blanc installment yet.” The overwhelmingly positive reception at film festivals is building considerable anticipation for its wider release, solidifying the “Knives Out” franchise as a modern whodunit phenomenon.
Darker, Twistier Mystery: In Conclusion
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is poised to be a significant entry in the whodunit genre. With its all-star cast, intricate plot, and darker thematic elements, the film promises to captivate audiences and challenge Benoit Blanc like never before. The shift to a gothic setting and the exploration of complex moral questions further elevate the film, making it a highly anticipated release for fans of the series and newcomers alike. The combination of Rian Johnson’s creative vision and Netflix’s global reach sets the stage for another successful chapter in the “Knives Out” saga.
