‘WAKE UP DEAD MAN: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY’ IS THIRD IN FRANCHISE

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The latest in a fan favorite series of mysteries, Wake Up Dead Man assembles a new cast with the one character who ties them together back to solve a new case.

Wake Up Dead Man (2025) Film Review

Traveling to a new place isn’t in the plan for Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor); he’s a priest who struggles sometimes to contain his past which was to be a boxer. When he lets that temper get the best of him, he’s given another chance and is sent to assist Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), a man whose charisma extends beyond bringing people into his church. Here Jud finds something amiss amidst his new congregants.

Among them is a devout and often judgmental memory Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close); a lawyer (Kerry Washington) who doesn’t give herself consideration; then there is a man named Cy Draven (Daryl McCormack) looking to rise in the political field; and the local doctor Nat Sharp (Jeremey Renner).

When a dark murder rocks the town, the local sheriff Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) partners with Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) to unravel a mystery that may shock even the great detective.

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‘WAKE UP DEAD MAN: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY’ IS THIRD IN FRANCHISE. #DanielCraig leads the cast in #WakeUpDeadMan, the third in the #KnivesOut franchise. #Mystery Share on X

The third in a series that uses Blanc and its renowned filmmaker Rian Johnson to connect the otherwise standalone mysteries, and cautiously I say, I think I like this one best. I wanted (so much) to like the first film but guessed the murderer first time I met the person (similar vibes happen here too) and the second while thoroughly entertaining was just so-so. Knowing I’m missing something with these is something I’m self aware of, but so far I haven’t warmed to them.

Wake Up Dead Man is a bit deeper and I think its interesting, especially its religious component. There are many themes and statements I vehemently disagree with, but some of the conclusions do have weight. I also found its lead character (of the newbies) Jud interesting (and he’s also funny, too) and his narration makes the story curious. What does continually impress is the ensemble cast Johnson puts together. He again has another memorable group. This one also has Andrew Scott (playing a bestselling author); Cailee Spaeny (a musical genius); and Thomas Haden Church (as the groundskeeper). So yeah, all in all the cast is impressive and the user ratings high which means I’m not a great one to “get” the appeal of these.

I do appreciate the atmosphere (they always feel very mysterious) and think it’s fun that we solve these mysteries among different characters and settings. I also think the cast always turn in great performances, too. Bottom line is this, if you loved the prior movies, well, you’re very likely to enjoy this.

Stream, at publication, Wake Up Dead Man exclusively on Netflix

Photos: Alamy | Netflix

Content: this one has the typical PG-13 content. There is discussion about sexual acts and other minor inuendo. One woman destroys various things in a church and then violently slaps a child multiple times. There are about two – three deaths and we see the body of all victims. One person commits suicide (non graphic) and the deaths involve stabbings and one other non-graphic method. (Neglected to mention, but yes, there is also profanity including an f-word.)

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