Wake Up Dead Man Review: A Dark, Gothic Twist in the Knives Out Series
The third entry in Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series has finally arrived, and it is nothing like the previous two. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is bold, darker, more gothic, and perhaps the most ambitious film of the franchise so far. While Knives Out and Glass Onion had a playful, satirical tone mixed with clever mystery, this one leans into a more serious and haunting story, with themes of faith, radicalization, and guilt woven deeply into its mystery.
The movie had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025 and will release in U.S. theaters in late November before streaming on Netflix worldwide in December. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes this film such a standout.
A Darker, Gothic Mystery
Unlike the mansion setting of Knives Out or the sun-soaked luxury of Glass Onion, this film takes place in a small New England church community. The setting itself is much more gothic, with old stone buildings, heavy wooden interiors, and a general atmosphere that feels influenced by classic horror and mystery writers.
This environment shapes the entire mood of the film. Instead of laughing at the ridiculousness of wealthy characters, the audience is drawn into a story that feels heavier, with faith and morality hanging over every scene. Rian Johnson himself said this was intended to be the “darkest” Knives Out story yet, and you can clearly feel that shift.
The Story
The plot centers around Reverend Jud Duplenticy, played by Josh O’Connor, a young priest with a complicated past. Once a boxer, Jud is now leading a small congregation in New England. When a senior church figure dies under strange circumstances, Jud becomes the prime suspect. Was this a crime driven by faith, guilt, or something else entirely?
Enter Benoit Blanc, once again played by Daniel Craig. Blanc is invited to investigate, and from the start, he senses that this case is unlike any other he has faced. There are secrets buried not only in the church but in the souls of the people connected to it. The mystery touches on religion, belief, and the dangers of blind devotion.
Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc
Daniel Craig returns for the third time as Detective Benoit Blanc, and this might be his strongest performance yet. While in previous films Blanc had moments of comic relief, here he is more serious, thoughtful, and emotionally invested in the case. Craig balances the character’s signature charm and wit with a new depth that makes Blanc feel more human.
In many ways, this film gives Blanc the biggest challenge of his career not just to solve the crime, but to face questions of morality and faith that don’t have easy answers. Craig proves that his take on Blanc can evolve and grow with the series.
Josh O’Connor Steals the Show
The standout of the cast is Josh O’Connor as Reverend Jud. He plays the character with a mix of innocence, charm, and inner conflict. Jud is both sympathetic and suspicious, making him the perfect anchor for this mystery. O’Connor brings a raw intensity to the role, showing why he is quickly becoming one of the most respected actors of his generation. Many critics have already called this his breakout performance.
The Star-Studded Cast
As with all Knives Out films, the ensemble cast is huge and filled with talent. Glenn Close plays Martha Delacroix, a church caretaker with secrets of her own. Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church all play key supporting roles.
Each character is layered with personal conflicts, hidden motives, and small quirks that make them interesting suspects. However, with such a large cast, not everyone gets equal screen time. Some roles feel underused, but the strength of performances overall keeps the film engaging.
The Tone and Style
What sets Wake Up Dead Man apart is its gothic style. The visuals are haunting and atmospheric, filled with shadows, candlelight, and stormy nights. The film feels inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe and other gothic storytellers. Unlike the colorful glass island of the last movie, here the visuals remind you of dark churches, mysterious graveyards, and hidden rooms filled with secrets.
This style choice makes the mystery feel heavier and more urgent. You are not just entertained you feel pulled into a chilling world where the stakes feel higher than ever.
Themes of Faith and Morality
This Knives Out film is not just about “who killed who.” It dives deep into questions of belief, religion, and human weakness. The story deals with how people can be blinded by faith, how institutions hide secrets, and how guilt and shame can destroy lives.
Rian Johnson uses the murder mystery format to explore bigger ideas, making this film more than just a puzzle. It’s a reflection on how people can lose themselves in what they believe is righteous, and how that can lead to tragedy.
What Critics Are Saying
Early reviews from the premiere have been very positive. Critics are calling it the most ambitious and emotionally powerful Knives Out yet. Many highlight Daniel Craig’s performance as his sharpest take on Benoit Blanc so far, while Josh O’Connor has been praised for carrying much of the film’s emotional weight.
The film currently holds one of the highest ratings of the series, with some even calling it the best entry so far. The darker tone might not appeal to fans who loved the humor of Glass Onion, but for mystery lovers, this feels like a bold new direction.
Strengths
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Strong performances from Daniel Craig and Josh O’Connor.
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A darker, more gothic style that feels fresh for the franchise.
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Deeper themes of faith, morality, and guilt.
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A mystery that keeps you guessing while also making you think.
Weaknesses
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A long runtime of over two hours can make certain sections feel slow.
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With so many characters, not all get enough attention.
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Fans expecting a lighthearted mystery may find the darker tone surprising.
Final Thoughts
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is a bold evolution for the series. Rian Johnson has proven once again that he is not interested in making the same movie twice. Instead of repeating the formula, he has given audiences a darker, richer, and more thought-provoking story.
The gothic style, layered themes, and strong performances make this one of the most memorable mysteries in recent years. Daniel Craig continues to shine as Benoit Blanc, but Josh O’Connor’s performance ensures this film will be remembered for years to come.
If you’re looking for a mystery that entertains while also exploring deeper questions, Wake Up Dead Man delivers. It’s not just a whodunit—it’s a story about belief, humanity, and the secrets we hide even from ourselves.
This may well be the best entry in the Knives Out saga, and it shows that the franchise still has plenty of life left.
