'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' Review, Netflix Brings Yet Another Murder Mystery With Josh

Netflix is back with The Knives Out Films' third instalment in the series — Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. It revolves around a Catholic church. Fans are loving the themes of the film, which touch upon faith, grace, and forgiveness. Director Rian Johnson's terrific third series streamed on December 12, 2025, and in selected theatres. 

Wake Up Dead Man review

Rian Johnson's Wake Up Dead Man shows a messianic priest, 'Jefferson', played by Josh Brolin, running the Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude Church with an iron hand. However, when 'Jefferson' dies during a sermon, his recently hired junior priest is the first suspect. 'Jud', played by Josh O'Connor, knew about the strange acts of 'Jefferson'. The groundskeeper 'Samson', played by Thomas Haden Church, is devoted parishioners. 

The local police officer, 'Geraldine', played by Mila Kunis, seeks help from 'Benoit Blanc', who investigates the matter and finds out one of the oldest motives for the murder of Jefferson. The film is out on Netflix, and this time it is not filled with a lot of characters and massive shows off than the previous instalments. 

Josh O'Connor's acting stood out. It is one of the most exciting young actors around. His screen time in the 144-minute movie is to himself before 'Benoit Blanc' shows up and upstages him in several scenes. Even after the suspense behind 'Jefferson killy' is revealed, Rian Johnson stretches out the modus operandi. It is a self-declared tribute to Agatha Christie. It also takes up the questions about sin, guilt, and absolution. 

The murder mystery perfectly revolves around the genre and doesn't get lost. The investigation moves at a steady pace, and the film uses its setting, which builds a sense of a Gothic theme. The screenplay touches on the cost of fairness, the fear of losing power, and the guilt that people carry for years. In comparison to other Knives Out series, this one was able to touch on a deeper level. 

Where the first film was sharp and playful and the second one leaned into satire, this third entry reaches for something deeper, almost philosophical. This only shows that the franchise is growing instead of repeating itself. The actors' performances make the film even better. Josh O'Connor is being loved among the supporting cast for his nervous and quiet energy that makes every scene look more unpredictable. Each actor beautifully works and acts in a way that they uncover the emotional cracks of every character. Even the smallest of roles has a huge impact on the movie. It is also because Rian Johnson gave every character a moment where it looks as if they are hiding or concealing the truth intentionally. 

Social media users' reaction to Wake Up Dead Man

Internet loved the murder mystery, and on X, one user wrote, "Rian Johnson puts down the oversaturated ‘eat the rich’ satire in favor of a darker exploration of how extremist religion preys on the already angry… The best one yet." Another one wrote, "Glenn Close (at times channeling Cloris Leachman) and Josh O’Connor deliver stellar performances. O’Connor is now a fully fledged movie star." A third user penned, "To no surprise, Wake Up Dead Man is great. Johnson is brilliant at weaving an elaborate, entertaining mystery while making each film about something larger than just a whodunnit."

What do you think about the movie?

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