Advertisement
The latest installment in Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, is stirring strong reactions online. Daniel Craig reprises his role as detective Benoit Blanc, now investigating a chilling murder within a church community. Departing from the franchise’s usual eccentric humor, this third entry embraces a darker, gothic tone, delving into themes of faith, hypocrisy, and redemption.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to generally positive responses. Critics and audiences praised its brooding atmosphere, Edgar Allan Poe-inspired storytelling, and standout performances from Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, and Josh Brolin. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) called it “the most emotional Knives Out film” and “a murder mystery masterpiece.”
Reaction to Benoit Blanc’s role is mixed. Some viewers feel Daniel Craig’s presence is muted and that character depth suffers, while others highlight Craig and O’Connor’s performances as strong points. Comments ranged from “WAKE UP DEAD MAN is one of the better Knives Out installments! Daniel Craig has never been better! Josh O’Connor is a standout!” to more critical takes like, “Too long, too self-satisfied, far too clever by half. Its biggest twist: precious little Daniel Craig. (Real star is Josh O’Connor.)”
The film’s release strategy is also noteworthy. It will have a two-week theatrical run starting November 26, followed by a worldwide Netflix debut on December 12. Johnson pushed for a theater-first approach, emphasizing the communal experience of watching a mystery unfold on the big screen.
Overall, early reactions suggest that Wake Up Dead Man has made a strong impression, praised for its darker tone, ambitious storytelling, and performances, while also sparking debate over character focus and Benoit Blanc’s role. The hybrid release approach could signal a new model for reaching audiences while maintaining the theatrical experience.