“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”
has sparked early enthusiasm from critics, who have highlighted both Daniel Craig and Josh O’Connor for their standout performances. The latest installment in Rian Johnson’s detective series continues the story of Benoit Blanc, portrayed by Craig, with fresh twists and an intense mystery setting.
The film marks the third entry following the successful original “Knives Out,” and its 2022 sequel “Glass Onion,” which became widely available on Netflix after the streaming platform secured the franchise rights. This new mystery takes place in upstate New York, where Blanc investigates the suspicious death of a priest.
Plot and Cast Details: A Fresh Case Unfolds in Upstate New York
In “Wake Up Dead Man,” Benoit Blanc’s investigation centers around the murder of a local priest in the town of Chimney Rock. Josh O’Connor plays a young clergyman entangled in the case, alongside a cast that includes Glenn Close, Andrew Scott, Mila Kunis, and Jeremy Renner, all portraying suspects with hidden motives. This ensemble brings depth and intrigue to the unfolding whodunit.
The film had its debut at the Toronto Film Festival on September 6, followed by a UK theatrical release scheduled for November 28, and its Netflix premiere set for December 12. Early critical reactions suggest this might be the strongest entry in the franchise, with many noting the chemistry and performances of Craig and O’Connor as major strengths.
Critics Applaud Craig’s Performance and Tightened Storytelling
David Fear of Rolling Stone praised the film as an improvement over the previous sequel, which he felt
“occasionally fell victim to a little too much nudge-wink direct messaging about the rich and infamous”
. He expressed admiration for Craig’s performance, writing,
“The evident fun that the actor is having onscreen is infectious”
. Fear added,
“The anything-goes aspect of his collaboration with Johnson fits the actor’s strengths like the sleuth’s well-tailored suits. Craig is still playing within the genre’s parameters, yet the colour he brings to Blanc remains a key part of why these movies work as well as they do.”
Benjamin Lee of The Guardian noted a correction in tone compared to the last installment, describing the previous film as
“relying on humour designed to appeal to a terminally online audience.”
He explained,
“Gone is the excess, the cameos, the smugness, everything that felt like a distraction”
and observed that
“all of that effort has been redirected to the basics of storytelling.”
He concluded the film marks
a series that’s really found its footing again, a wealth of fun to be had in ways that are constantly surprising, a franchise fully woken up.
Josh O’Connor’s Comic Skills and Craig’s Charismatic Presence Highlighted
Caryn Jones of the BBC emphasized O’Connor’s versatility, stating,
“The biggest revelation of Wake Up Dead Man … is that Josh O’Connor, so great at drama, is also an excellent comic.”
Jones also praised Craig’s role, noting,
“Craig is a scene-stealer himself. Blanc turns up to solve a murder in Chimney Rock with his southern accent and confident swagger, looking more dapper than ever. But it seems that with each Knives Out film he has fewer scenes, and at times he is like an orchestra conductor weaving us through the various characters and possibilities in the ever-twisting plot.”
Johnny Oleksinski from The New York Post described “Wake Up Dead Man” as
“the darkest, scariest and undoubtedly finest acted [film] of the entire detective series.”
He praised O’Connor’s consistent excellence and concluded,
“Wake Up Dead Man builds to a solid and satisfying ending. You still couldn’t solve it on your own, but delightful clues abound. So do rapidfire gags, many of which come from dandy, deranged Daniel Craig as Blanc. A fleeting, hilarious reference to the musical Cats makes your abs hurt.”
Festival Spotlight and Future Franchise Prospects
Besides its Toronto premiere, “Wake Up Dead Man” was recently chosen as the opening film of the London Film Festival, signaling confidence in its critical and festival appeal. Meanwhile, Rian Johnson has shared insights on his previously planned Star Wars trilogy, underscoring his commitment to innovative storytelling beyond the Knives Out series.
With “Wake Up Dead Man” receiving praise for revitalizing the franchise, especially through Daniel Craig’s magnetic portrayal of Benoit Blanc, the film is set to draw both loyal fans and newcomers when it arrives on Netflix in December. This third mystery not only deepens the world of Knives Out but also confirms the series’ ongoing evolution and appeal.
