Overview
Rating by Experts
Final Thoughts
After the success of Knives Out and Glass Onion, Rian Johnson’s affinity for murder mysteries is showcased yet again in Wake Up Dead Man, a unique take on the locked room genre. Fans of previous installments and mystery aficionados alike will find plenty to enjoy as this film maintains suspense to the very end.
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When Benoit Blanc made his debut in 2019 in Netflix’s Knives Out, it was immediately evident that he belonged among the greatest detectives of cinema.
Blanc stands alongside iconic figures like Jessica Fletcher, Hercule Poirot, and Philip Marlowe. With two hit films already, Rian Johnson appears far from losing momentum; his recent work in Poker Face demonstrates that he continues to excel in crafting engaging mysteries.
Wake Up Dead Man centers around the baffling locked room murder of Monsignor Wicks, a priest embroiled in controversy due to his extreme methods, all occurring mid-sermon.
The narrative follows Reverend Jud, portrayed by Josh O’Connor, who finds himself at odds with Wicks’ unorthodox practices while trying to fit into this quaint parish.
A Stellar Cast
Alongside Daniel Craig’s Blanc, Glenn Close shines in her role as Martha Delacroix, the overly devout woman of the church who possesses all the local secrets, revealing much more than just gossip.
Jeremy Renner portrays the town’s hard-drinking doctor, Nat Sharp, while Kerry Washington plays an ambitious attorney named Vera. Andrew Scott steps into the shoes of a struggling author researching Wicks’ controversial methods. The impressive ensemble also features rising talent Cailee Spaeny, Thomas Haden Church, and Daryl McCormack.
O’Connor stands out as Blanc’s assistant, claiming a memorable role that parallels Ana de Armas’ Marta Cabrera from the first film.
The dynamic among the cast enriches the story once again as they become increasingly drawn to Wicks, making it challenging to identify those who may harbor motives against this beloved figure.
A minor downside may be the limited character development across the board, with Jud and Martha receiving the bulk of attention, while the first Knives Out remains arguably the most balanced in terms of character depth.
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O’Connor impressively takes on the role of Blanc’s vital support, a standout character whose contributions feel as essential as those of the earlier films. He brings a sense of vulnerability to Jud, who is navigating a new environment filled with uncertainties. Together, Jud and Benoit create an engaging dynamic that keeps the film feeling fresh.
Gothic Influences
Every Benoit Blanc film presents a distinctive visual style and tone. The autumnal aesthetics of the first film contrast with the vibrant Greek backdrop of Glass Onion, while this installment, filmed in Ireland and the UK, is set against the backdrop of Easter, a pivotal period for the Catholic Church.
It smartly deconstructs genre expectations, serving as the most meta offering in the series thus far.
The movie also incorporates elements reminiscent of Gothic literature, crafting a subtly eerie ambiance, masterfully enhanced by Nathan Johnson’s atmospheric score.
References to esteemed works of detective fiction appear, with nods to Agatha Christie’s Murder at the Vicarage and The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, as well as John Dickson Carr’s The Hollow Man, renowned as the initial locked room mystery central to this story.
However, the runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes—similar to its predecessor—does stretch the film a bit thin, as it juggles numerous twists. A more concise narrative could elevate the overall impact of this mystery.
Is Wake Up Dead Man Worth Watching?
Mortality mystery fans and followers of the first two films will find themselves intellectually engaged by Wake Up Dead Man. This entry continues the trend of cleverly analyzing the genre while introducing refreshing Gothic elements. While some characters may not experience full arcs, and the length could be shortened, this third chapter certainly delivers.
Although Netflix’s partnership wraps up with this film, it’s improbable that we won’t encounter more mysteries featuring Benoit Blanc in the future. Daniel Craig effortlessly reprises his role, complete with his charming Southern accent and eccentricities.
Wake Up Dead Man is set to screen in select cinemas from November 26, 2025, and will be available for streaming on Netflix starting December 12, 2025.
Tickets can be obtained through UK cinemas like Showcase and Picturehouse, while readers in the US can purchase tickets from Fandango. Additionally, you can sign up for Netflix here, with subscriptions starting at £5.99/$7.99 monthly.
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