I thought that the first two Knives Out movies were fantastic, easily two of the best Netflix original movies that they have made. I would have a hard time picking between the first two movies in regards to which one I liked best. So I was very excited when I heard that Netflix was making a third movie. This has become something of a festive season tradition in my house, as they have all been released at the end of November.
Where to Watch Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery was released on November 26, 2025 in the theatres in the USA. and on December 12, 2025 on Netflix – this is where you can stream the film from. Check out also the original Knives Out (2019) and Glass Onion (2022).
The Movie Review
Rian Johnson was once again back to write and direct, and of course, Daniel Craig is back as the most amazing detective in the world, Benoit Blanc, and he is as wonderful and over the top as before. While his run as James Bond was no doubt fantastic, and for many people, he is their Bond. I would say that out of all the roles he has played over the years, Benoit Blanc is my favorite.
A New Mystery and a Stellar Cast
Much like the other two movies, we have a great ensemble cast here. Josh O’ Conner plays the role of Jud Duplencity, a priest who is being sent to a new church after punching a rude member of the Church. I thought that Jud was a fantastic character, and if I am being honest, he is the main character here, not Benoit Blanc.
The church that Jud is sent to is one that has a bit of a reputation. The Monsignor at this church is Father Jefferson Wicks, played by Josh Brolin, and he is a charismatic leader who has a legion of die-hard followers hanging on his every word. We also have Mila Kunis as the local sheriff. Plus, the likes of Jeremy Renner, Thomas Haden Church, Glenn Close, and many more talented actors.
A Murder With No Explanation
Father Wicks and Jud clash right from the start! However, during one of Father Wicks’ sermons, the impossible crime happens; he is murdered inside a closet, with only one entry point! No one has a clue what happened, and due to the nature of the murder, pretty much everyone who was at the church when it happened is a suspect.
Enter Benoit Blanc
The sheriff is at a complete loss and has no idea what happened, but this is where the super detective Benoit Blanc comes in to play. I really liked the relationship between Benoit Blanc and Father Jud as they worked together trying to solve this crime. However, Benoit Blanc felt like he did not have as much screen time in this movie. To be fair, I have not seen the other two Knives Out movies since they came out, so I could be misremembering things, but I am sure he was on the screen a lot more in those movies.
Classic Twists and Turns
As is the case with the other movies, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is a movie you need to know nothing about before watching and just take it in as it all unfolds before your eyes. However, I can tell you, there are some great twists and turns going on here, and some that were really surprising and had me saying no way, especially during a particularly wild resurrection scene! Glass Onion looked spectacular thanks to its setting, but while the small town setting here has charm, it is not as impressive.
Final Thoughts on the Third Installment
The thing is, I had a fun time with Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, and it is a damn fine whodunnit kind of movie. However, while I have a hard time picking between the first two, I can with certainty say this is my third favorite in the franchise. Hey, that does not mean it is bad at all; it certainly was not. Yet, it did not wow me as much as the other two did. Still, if you enjoyed the other movies, I am positive you will have a great time watching this too.
