Rian Johnson's third Benoit Blanc mystery proves the acclaimed director hasn't lost his touch for crafting compelling whodunits. "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" arrives December 12th on Netflix following a limited theatrical release November 26th, cementing this franchise as one of modern cinema's most consistently entertaining series.
The film marks a significant tonal shift from its predecessors. Where 2019's "Knives Out" tackled class warfare and 2022's "Glass Onion" skewered tech billionaires, this installment explores faith and institutional religion with surprising nuance and maturity.
A More Thoughtful Mystery
Johnson doesn't take the easy route of mocking religious communities. Instead, "Wake Up Dead Man" examines how spirituality and genuine connection can coexist within organized religion despite institutional failings. It's the franchise's most thematically ambitious entry, trading righteous anger for philosophical depth.
Daniel Craig returns as southern detective Benoit Blanc with his signature drawl and razor-sharp intellect intact. But the revelation here is Josh O'Connor as Father Jud, a young priest who becomes the narrative's emotional center. O'Connor brings warmth and authenticity that grounds the film's more outlandish murder mystery elements.
Star-Studded Cast Takes Backseat
The ensemble feels underutilized compared to previous installments. Josh Brolin's volatile Monsignor Jefferson Wicks provides the perfect contrast to O'Connor's compassionate priest—representing religion's duality through character dynamics rather than preaching.
Glenn Close delivers standout work as Martha Delacroix, a devoted church caretaker who commands every scene. Meanwhile, Andrew Scott, Daryl McCormack, Jeremy Renner, Cailee Spaeny, Thomas Hayden Church, and Kerry Washington populate the suspect list with broad character types that serve the plot more than individual development.
Franchise Evolution
Johnson demonstrates remarkable skill in keeping each film distinct while maintaining core franchise DNA. The murder mystery mechanics remain sharp, delivering twists that satisfy even when partially predictable. The film balances irreverent humor with genuine emotional stakes—a difficult tightrope Johnson walks effortlessly.
At 139 minutes, the pacing occasionally drags during the second act. Some viewers may find the religious themes less immediately entertaining than previous films' more pointed social commentary. But patient audiences will appreciate the added layers of meaning beneath the surface-level mystery.
The Verdict
"Wake Up Dead Man" proves this franchise still has creative momentum worth exploring. Craig and O'Connor's chemistry elevates the material, while Johnson's maturing voice as a filmmaker adds unexpected depth to genre conventions.
The formula remains intact: colorful suspects, impossible crimes, and satisfying revelations. What's different is Johnson's willingness to engage seriously with complex themes while maintaining the franchise's playful spirit.
As long as Johnson and Craig want to continue, audiences should welcome more Benoit Blanc mysteries. This trilogy capper—if it proves to be one—demonstrates there's still narrative territory worth exploring in this detective's world.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
"Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" arrives in select theaters November 26th before streaming on Netflix December 12th.