About the film (courtesy of Netflix):
When young priest Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), it’s clear that all is not well in the pews. Wicks’s modest-but-devoted flock includes devout church lady Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close), circumspect groundskeeper Samson Holt (Thomas Haden Church), tightly-wound lawyer Vera Draven, Esq. (Kerry Washington), aspiring politician Cy Draven (Daryl McCormack), town doctor Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner), best-selling author Lee Ross (Andrew Scott), and concert cellist Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny). After a sudden and seemingly impossible murder rocks the town, the lack of an obvious suspect prompts local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) to join forces with renowned detective Benoit Blanc to unravel a mystery that defies all logic.
Writer and director Rian Johnson has consistently proven his mastery over the modern whodunit genre, and his third outing featuring the idiosyncratic detective Benoit Blanc maintains the high standard set by its predecessors. Johnson’s formula is highly effective: assemble a breathtakingly talented ensemble, weave them into a complex and macabre plot, and allow Daniel Craig’s unique performance to serve as the delightfully unorthodox guiding light. The latest film in the series, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, manages to recapture the electrifying sense of discovery that made the original 2019 film such a surprise hit.
The original Knives Out (2019) landed with impact, largely due to the introduction of Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc, a figure stylistically and temperamentally distinct from the actor’s most famous prior role. While Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) was excellent, its release perhaps brought with it a slight sense of familiarity that may have softened its overall impact. Now, the third installment signals a strong creative resurgence. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery can be described as a cunning, clever, and definitively comedic affair as the layered narrative unfolds. It is clear that the production team focused on delivering a mystery that feels fresh and satisfying, confirming that the detective is truly back to his original, glorious form, tackling yet another seemingly unsolvable case.
The commitment to an all-star ensemble remains a signature element of the series, and Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is no exception. Craig is surrounded by an expansive and impressive roster of talent, each seemingly essential to the unfolding drama. The cast includes powerhouses such as Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner, Andrew Scott, Kerry Washington, Daryl McCormack, Cailee Spaeny, Mila Kunis, Thomas Haden Church, and Jeffrey Wright. This substantial collection of actors is one of the key factors behind the films’ lengthy runtimes, ensuring that every performer is given adequate space to shine and justify their critical purpose within the mysterious events. There are no inconsequential castings here; every character is woven tightly into the fabric of the mystery, demanding the audience’s full attention.
Given the ambition of the plot and the sheer size of the cast requiring screen time, it is perhaps understandable that Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery runs true to its 140-minute duration. While the film is mostly engaging throughout, there are moments where the pacing could benefit from a slight increase in momentum. However, this is a minor caveat when weighed against the positive and entertaining experience audiences are guaranteed to have. The slight slowdowns appear to be a necessary trade-off for the depth and complexity required to interweave so many compelling characters into a satisfying whodunit climax.
Overall, the third Benoit Blanc adventure delivers exactly what fans of the franchise desire: a satisfying, mysterious, and engaging cinematic experience anchored by strong performances and Rian Johnson’s witty script. While box office success during its theatrical run beginning Wednesday, November 26th, remains to be seen, the film’s status is assured on streaming. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery will undoubtedly find itself at the top of the streaming charts when it makes its exclusive debut on Netflix starting December 12th.
