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Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery poster
8.3
Netflix Acclaimed

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

Knives Out · Knives Out Collection

2025 144 min PG-13
Critic8.3
Crime Drama Mystery Comedy
Netflix FindEdition
Trailer Where to Watch

Overview

Master detective Benoit Blanc returns for his most dangerous and darkest case yet, investigating an impossible murder at a small-town church with a dark history in upstate New York.
Story 8.4
Acting 8.9
Direction 8.5
Cinematography 8.2
Music 8.3
Pacing 8.1
Originality 8.2
Emotional Impact 8.0
Overall 8.3

Editorial Review

By FindEdition Cinema Desk

8.3 /10

Phenomenal Ensemble Cast

Daniel Craig continues to shine as Benoit Blanc, backed by stellar standout performances from Josh O'Connor and Glenn Close.

Darker Atmospheric Twist

Rian Johnson leans into a more gothic, church-set mystery framework that injects fresh tension into the formula.

Pros

  • Superb ensemble cast led by Daniel Craig, Josh O'Connor, and Glenn Close
  • Intriguing gothic church setting and clever puzzle-box plotting
  • Sharp direction and witty dialogue by Rian Johnson

Cons

  • Complex web of suspects requires close attention to detail
  • Limited theatrical window prior to streaming debut
Verdict A darkly clever, intricately plotted, and brilliantly acted whodunit that stands as one of the franchise's finest entries.

AI Review

A darker, brilliantly structured whodunit mystery directed by Rian Johnson, featuring Daniel Craig's return as detective Benoit Blanc investigating a church murder.

A darkly clever, intricately plotted, and brilliantly acted whodunit that stands as one of the franchise's finest entries.

Essential streaming on Netflix for all fans of mystery thrillers, puzzle-box whodunits, and the Knives Out series.

Awards

National Board of Review

Top Ten Films · Honored

Saturn Awards

Best Thriller Movie · Nominated

Timeline

Release Date
Theatrical Date
Digital Date
Physical Date
Premiere
Festival
Status
Development

Announced as part of Netflix's multi-picture continuation deal for the Knives Out franchise with director Rian Johnson.

Principal photography

Filmed dynamically in mid-2024 following cast announcements.

Post-production

Completed in mid-2025 ahead of its festival premieres and December Netflix streaming launch.

National Board of Review

Top Ten Films Honored

Saturn Awards

Best Thriller Movie Nominated

Production

Development

Announced as part of Netflix's multi-picture continuation deal for the Knives Out franchise with director Rian Johnson.

Principal photography

Filmed dynamically in mid-2024 following cast announcements.

Post-production

Completed in mid-2025 ahead of its festival premieres and December Netflix streaming launch.

Streaming

Netflix FindEdition

Cast

Daniel Craig Benoit Blanc
Josh O'Connor Father Jud Duplenticy
Glenn Close Martha Delacroix
Josh Brolin Monsignor Jefferson Wicks
Mila Kunis Geraldine Scott
Jeremy Renner Doctor Nat Sharp
Kerry Washington Vera Draven
Andrew Scott Lee Ross
Cailee Spaeny Simone Vivane
Daryl McCormack Cy Draven
Thomas Haden Church Samson Holt

Characters

Benoit Blanc Daniel Craig
Father Jud Duplenticy Josh O'Connor
Martha Delacroix Glenn Close
Monsignor Jefferson Wicks Josh Brolin
Geraldine Scott Mila Kunis
Doctor Nat Sharp Jeremy Renner
Vera Draven Kerry Washington
Lee Ross Andrew Scott
Simone Vivane Cailee Spaeny
Cy Draven Daryl McCormack
Samson Holt Thomas Haden Church

Crew

Rian Johnson Director
Rian Johnson Screenwriter
Ram Bergman Producer
Rian Johnson Producer
Nathan Johnson Composer
Steve Yedlin Cinematographer
Bob Ducsay Editor

Videos

Official Trailer

Soundtrack

  1. Benoit Blanc's Return — Nathan Johnson
  2. Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude — Nathan Johnson

Trivia

  • Had its world premiere as a special presentation at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.
  • Marks the third cinematic outing for Daniel Craig's eccentric southern detective Benoit Blanc.
  • Features an acclaimed star-studded ensemble cast including Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, and Mila Kunis.

Quotes

"The most dangerous secrets are the ones buried right in plain sight."

"Let's peel back the layers of this particular onion."

Goofs

  • During the church office interrogation scene, desk item alignment shifts slightly between character close-ups.

Community

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Collections

Part of Knives Out Collection

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Universe

Knives Out Universe

Explore universe →

Franchise

Knives Out

The third feature film in the Knives Out mystery franchise.

Browse franchise →

Recommendations & Alternatives

For higher ratings, consider Frankenstein (8.4/10). A similarly themed alternative is The Phoenician Scheme.

Higher Rated

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AI Recommendation Insight

A darker, brilliantly structured whodunit mystery directed by Rian Johnson, featuring Daniel Craig's return as detective Benoit Blanc investigating a church murder. Similar picks: Shared Cast