The Knives Out franchise has expanded significantly over its three films, but Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery marks a noticeable dip in sharpness. Rian Johnson shifts from Agatha Christie inspirations toward something darker and more introspective, borrowing notes from G.K. Chesterton’s Father Brown stories and even Edgar Allan Poe. The result is a film steeped in religious themes, moral questioning, and the familiar undercurrent of greed — yet it lacks the electricity of its predecessors.
The story follows two contrasting priests: Monsignor Wicks (Josh Brolin), abrasive and controversial, and Father Jud (Josh O’Connor), whose gentle spirituality anchors the film. Their dynamics — along with their connection to the central murder — create compelling themes, but the surrounding characters fail to match the depth of previous Knives Out ensembles.
A Weaker Ensemble & A Muted Benoit Blanc
A hallmark of the series has always been the lively, intricately intertwined cast. But here, despite impressive names such as Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Jeremy Renner, and Andrew Scott, many characters feel thinly sketched. Motives are less compelling, interactions less snappy, and the ensemble’s chemistry never reaches the tightly woven brilliance of Knives Out or Glass Onion.
Even Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) feels dialed down. Still witty and charming, he’s more subdued — almost uneasy — as he navigates a case deeply rooted in religion, a subject outside of his comfort zone. While Craig remains delightful to watch, Blanc’s reduced presence removes some of the franchise’s crucial spark.
However, Blanc’s partnership with Father Jud is easily one of the film’s strongest elements. Their contrasting worldviews complement each other beautifully, and Craig and O’Connor’s chemistry elevates their scenes to some of the film’s best moments.
Themes That Hit, Humor That Mostly Works — But Something Is Missing
The movie explores faith, the allure of power, and the moral compromises religious figures can make. These ideas could have built a rich foundation, but the film sometimes feels torn between introspection and entertainment. There are sharp twists and clever reveals, but fewer of the exhilarating, edge-of-your-seat moments that defined earlier entries.
Still, Johnson’s signature balance of humor and tragedy is intact. Moments of drama quickly give way to unexpected laughs, maintaining a recognizable tone even as the franchise enters darker territory. Yet the overall dialogue feels less vibrant, and the narrative momentum stalls more often than usual.
Despite its shortcomings, Wake Up Dead Man remains an enjoyable watch — clever, thoughtful, and bolstered by strong performances. But it also raises an unavoidable concern: that the franchise is beginning to lose some of its momentum.
Release Information
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
• World Premiere: Toronto International Film Festival 2025
• Theatrical Release: November 26 (select theaters)
• Streaming Release: December 12 on Netflix
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