Wake Up Dead Man lands on Netflix today, marking the highly anticipated streaming debut of the third chapter in Rian Johnson’s acclaimed Knives Out trilogy. After a short theatrical run that ended just hours earlier, the film is now available globally, and early reactions suggest Johnson has delivered his boldest mystery yet.
The movie releases on December 12, 2025, at midnight PT / 3 a.m. ET, bringing Daniel Craig back as detective Benoit Blanc in what critics describe as his most morally complex and visually ambitious case.
A Darker Turn for the Knives Out Franchise
While the first two films—Knives Out (2019) and Glass Onion (2022)—leaned into colorful spectacle and playful whodunit energy, Wake Up Dead Man shifts sharply in tone. Critics call it the trilogy’s darkest entry, combining Gothic atmosphere, emotional depth, and a layered mystery set in a small Maine church with a troubled past.
BBC praised the film as “the funniest and most playful,” despite its somber undercurrents, noting that Johnson blends humor and dread more confidently than ever. The story investigates what reviewers are calling a “perfectly impossible crime,” grounded in themes of faith, guilt, and generational secrets.
Daniel Craig and Josh O’Connor Lead a Standout Ensemble
Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc faces new emotional territory as he pairs with Josh O’Connor, who plays Father Jud Duplenticy, a young priest caught at the center of the case. Their dynamic—one cynical, one idealistic—anchors the film’s narrative tension.
French outlets described their chemistry as “anthology-worthy,” and many critics singled out O’Connor’s performance as one of the film’s highlights. The ensemble cast adds further weight, including:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Daniel Craig | Benoit Blanc |
| Josh O’Connor | Father Jud Duplenticy |
| Glenn Close | Martha Delacroix |
| Josh Brolin | Monsignor Jefferson Wicks |
| Mila Kunis | Sister Eleanor |
| Kerry Washington | Atty. Mara Keane |
Critics Praise Its Visual Style and Emotional Depth
Reviews call it a deeper and more sophisticated film than its predecessors.
The Verge labeled it “a darker, more powerful mystery,” while IGN Italia commended its “moral complexity and profound themes.” Roger Ebert reviewers described it as “an ambitious delight,” applauding Johnson’s willingness to expand the franchise rather than retread familiar ground.
Early audience reactions mirror critic enthusiasm: 93% Rotten Tomatoes audience approval underscores strong engagement from day-one viewers.
Netflix Release Expands Access After Short Theater Window
Following its festival debut at TIFF in September and a limited theatrical run beginning November 26, Wake Up Dead Man now enters the global Netflix library. Its hybrid distribution model parallels the strategy of Glass Onion, giving the film both prestige screenings and broad streaming reach.
Netflix subscribers across the U.S., UK, and dozens of regions can now watch the trilogy’s darkest mystery immediately.
Will Fans Embrace the Darker Direction?
The major question for longtime fans is whether the tonal departure satisfies expectations. Early signals say yes: viewers praise its deeper character work, challenging themes, and haunting atmosphere. Those seeking a traditional whodunit may find the pacing more meditative, but the emotional payoff is resonating strongly.
If reactions continue trending upward, Wake Up Dead Man may not only be the darkest film in the trilogy—it may also become its defining masterpiece.
