The Verdict
"Giving Benoit Blanc a worthy mystery with its genuinely soulful fixation on faith and a scene-stealing Josh O'Connor performance,Wake Up Dead Manis anotherKnives Outpuzzle that comes together splendidly."
"A twisted whodunit led by a most intriguing cast,Wake up Dead Manjolts theKnives Outfranchise and delivers its best mystery yet."
Movie Review and Other Insights
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is a visionary Mystery & Thriller, Comedy, Drama film directed by the acclaimed Rian Johnson (Rian Johnson). Released in theaters on Nov 26, 2025, Limited, this cinematic experience offers a fresh take on the classic narrative. Produced by T-Street and distributed by Netflix, the film features a runtime of 2h 24m.
The story follows detective Benoit Blanc sifts through a series of suspects when a monsignor turns up dead. Leading the cast are star performers Rian Johnson, Daniel Craig, Josh O'Connor, who bring depth and intensity to their roles.
Rated PG-13 for Some Crude Sexual Material|Smoking|Bloody Images|Strong Language|Violent Content, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery delivers a Dolby Digital audio experience presented in a aspect ratio. Critics have praised the film, stating: "Giving Benoit Blanc a worthy mystery with its genuinely soulful fixation on faith and a scene-stealing Josh O'Connor performance,Wake Up Dead Manis anotherKnives Outpuzzle that comes together splendidly."
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Cast & Crew
Critic Reviews
"Sometimes a movie is more fun for the people making it than the audience watching it, but this is not one of those times. Even so, “Wake Up Dead Man” balances its comedy with a pointed contrast between a faith that divides and a faith that unites."
"It’s murder behind stained-glass windows as "Knives Out" detective Daniel Craig and a cast of all-star sinners find the fiendish fun in a crime story about the wages of wickedness. Don’t worry, it’s not a musical"
"The story begs for an elegant solution. The one presented is about as elegant as a demolition derby conducted at a landfill."
"Wake Up Dead Man remains buoyant popcorn fare that fuses the most appealing elements of the previous films."
"‘…Rian Johnson’s film manages to provide delicious mystery and thrills, but also delivers on a promise to offer a firm moralistic story that’s inclusive and open to all…Benoit Blanc defies the odds to avoid sinking to the level of the usual Netflix fare…."
"Overcomes some poor screenwriting at times to become a decent, dark thriller. This is the kind of film I have been expecting from Rian Johnson for a long time and boy does he deliver."
Audience Reviews
Superbly entertaining. Great writing and solid cast.
Faith, weakness, and an impossible murder. Benoit Blanc takes them all on in this one.
This franchise needs to make more and they need to always have theatrical releases! So much better on the big screen for sure
Essentially no flaws in any way outside of maybe Craig not getting quite enough time as Blanc in this story.
Although this installment focuses less on the ensemble and more on a few core characters, the themes and mystery is compelling. The acting is engaging and the story has nuanced conversations about beliefs and the things that guides you while trying to solve a murder.
Another great Benoit Blanc whodunit by Rian Johnson. Not quite as good as the original Knives Out, but slightly better than Glass Onion. I have two daughters (10 & 13) who LOVE these movies, too. They were glad to see this in the theater, and so was I.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery released?
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery hit theaters on Nov 26, 2025, Limited. It became available for streaming on Dec 12, 2025.
How long is the movie and what is the genre?
The film has a runtime of 2h 24m. It falls under the Mystery & Thriller, Comedy, Drama genre, featuring a sound mix in Dolby Digital.
Who is the director of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery?
The movie is directed by Rian Johnson. The script was penned by Rian Johnson.
Who are the main actors in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery?
The top billed cast includes:
- Rian Johnson as Director
- Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc
- Josh O'Connor as Fr. Jud Duplenticy
- Glenn Close as Martha Delacroix
- Josh Brolin as Mons. Jefferson Wicks
Why is Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery rated PG-13?
It is rated PG-13 (Some Crude Sexual Material|Smoking|Bloody Images|Strong Language|Violent Content)
Which studio produced the movie?
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery was produced by T-Street and distributed worldwide by Netflix.
About the movie
NEWDetective Benoit Blanc sifts through a series of suspects when a monsignor turns up dead.
- Director
- Rian Johnson
- Producers
- Rian Johnson, Ram Bergman
- Screenwriter
- Rian Johnson
- Distributor
- Netflix
- Production
- T-Street
- Genre
- Mystery & Thriller, Comedy, Drama
- Release Date
- Nov 26, 2025, Limited
- Run Time
- 2h 24m
- Rating
- PG-13
- Sound Mix
- Dolby Digital