Rian Johnson returns with another thrilling whodunit, and early buzz suggests it might be the best yet. Faith, Doubt, Murder takes center stage in “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 6, 2025. Initial reviews indicate this third installment could be the strongest in the series. The film, a standalone sequel to “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on November 26, 2025, followed by a global Netflix debut on December 12, 2025.
Blanc’s Darkest Case
Daniel Craig reprises his role as master detective Benoit Blanc, plunging into a darker, more gothic mystery than ever before. According to early reports from TIFF, “Wake Up Dead Man” sees Blanc challenged by a seemingly impossible crime with hints of the supernatural. The extensive ensemble cast introduces a host of new faces, including Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.
A Theological Twist
“Wake Up Dead Man” delves into deeper, more theological themes, with the plot revolving around a murder in a rural New York church. The story centers on young Reverend Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor), an ex-boxer with a fiery temper, who is accused of killing Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), a charismatic and controversial priest. As reported by Collider, Detective Blanc appears about forty minutes into the film, and finds his non-believing worldview challenged by the crime’s circumstances. Mila Kunis plays Geraldine Scott, a local police chief who partners with Blanc to solve the case, which, according to Yahoo News Canada, pushes the boundaries of faith and reason.
Johnson’s Vision: Faith and Doubt
Writer and director Rian Johnson aimed for a distinct tonal and thematic approach with this film, drawing inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe to return to the roots of the mystery genre. Johnson, who has expressed complicated feelings about organized religion, uses the conflict between the two priests to explore themes of faith, doubt, and absolution. The film’s setting in a rural NYC church provides a fresh backdrop for Blanc’s latest investigation, and according to SFGATE, allows Johnson to delve into complex moral questions.
Critical Reception and Cast Insights
Early critical reception from TIFF has been largely positive. Some reviewers, like those at Paste Magazine, are calling it Johnson’s “best pure mystery yet” and a masterful conclusion to what is being called “one of film’s great trilogies.” Critics have lauded the film’s ambitious storytelling, its intricate plot, and the fresh angles it brings to the “Knives Out” formula. However, some have noted a less memorable supporting cast compared to previous entries and a lengthy runtime of 140 minutes. According to People.com, the cast, including Mila Kunis, has praised Johnson’s ability to create a collaborative and enjoyable set environment, with Daniel Craig described as a “phenomenal leader.” Johnson’s collaborative approach seems to have fostered a positive atmosphere, translating into strong performances.
Is This the Best ‘Knives Out’ Yet?
The question on everyone’s mind is whether “Wake Up Dead Man” surpasses its predecessors. The shift to a darker, more theological mystery certainly sets it apart. The exploration of faith and doubt, combined with the intricate plot and strong performances, positions it as a potential standout. However, the success of any mystery hinges on its ability to surprise and engage the audience, and the film’s longer runtime could test viewers’ patience. Only time will tell if it truly earns the title of the best ‘Knives Out’ mystery.
Potential Drawbacks
Despite the overwhelmingly positive early reactions, some potential drawbacks have been identified. The 140-minute runtime, while allowing for deeper exploration of the themes and plot, could feel excessive to some viewers. Additionally, as noted by some critics, the supporting cast, while talented, may not be as memorable as those in the previous films. The high bar set by the original “Knives Out” and “Glass Onion” means that “Wake Up Dead Man” faces significant expectations.
The Verdict
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” promises to be a compelling and thought-provoking addition to the series. With its darker tone, theological themes, and stellar cast, it has the potential to be the best installment yet. While the lengthy runtime and potentially less memorable supporting cast are minor concerns, the early buzz from TIFF suggests that Rian Johnson has delivered another masterful whodunit. Audiences worldwide will be able to judge for themselves when the film hits Netflix on December 12, 2025. This latest chapter looks set to continue the franchise’s success, further cementing Benoit Blanc as one of modern cinema’s great detectives.
