If you enjoy watching murder mysteries that keep you guessing until the very end, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is a must-watch. This third installment in Rian Johnson’s acclaimed Knives Out series brings back the brilliant detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, to tackle one of his most challenging cases yet. With its mix of suspense, humor, and intricate plotting, this story promises a fresh setting and an unpredictable mystery that will grip both longtime fans and newcomers.
The title alone sparks curiosity, hinting at moral dilemmas, hidden secrets, and a mystery that isn’t easily solved. With Johnson at the helm as writer and director, you can expect the same sharp storytelling, witty dialogue, and unexpected twists that made the first two films so successful.
| Title | Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery |
| Genre | Mystery, Thriller, Drama, Dark Comedy |
| Director | Rian Johnson |
| Writer | Rian Johnson |
| Cinematography | Steve Yedlin |
| Main Cast | Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, Thomas Haden Church |
| Music | Nathan Johnson |
| Theatrical Release | November 26, 2025 (select theaters) |
| Streaming Release | Netflix, December 12, 2025 |
| Runtime | Approx. 140 minutes |
| Language | English |
| Country | United States / UK |
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Release Date
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025, before opening in select theaters on November 26, 2025, for a limited release. Fans can then stream it on Netflix globally from December 12, 2025.
This staggered release strategy gives audiences the chance to experience the film in a theatrical setting, while also providing accessibility through streaming. Whether you prefer the immersive cinema experience or watching from home, the mystery is now available to a wide audience.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery trailer
The official trailer gives a first look at Benoit Blanc’s latest investigation. It starts with Blanc (Daniel Craig) calling the case “a perfectly impossible crime.” Monsignor Wicks walks into a sealed concrete box during a sermon and is later found dead.
The trailer shows the quiet small-town church full of suspicious characters. You see quick glimpses of the star-studded cast, each hinting at hidden secrets. The trailer also captures the mix of suspense, dark humor, and clever detective work that fans expect from Benoit Blanc.
It’s a great teaser for the movie and sets up the tense, mysterious tone without giving away the ending.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Cast
The film features a star-studded cast, with each actor bringing depth and intrigue to their characters:
- Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc – The brilliant detective known for his keen observation, sharp wit, and unique problem-solving skills. Blanc’s role is central to unravelling the “impossible crime.”
- Josh O’Connor as Jud Duplenticy – A young, earnest priest whose perspective and guidance become vital to Blanc’s investigation.
- Josh Brolin as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks – The church’s enigmatic leader, whose hidden past and complex personality add tension and mystery to the plot.
- Glenn Close as Eleanor Van Doren – A wealthy and influential town figure whose motives are unclear, keeping viewers guessing about her involvement.
- Mila Kunis as Maggie Fairfax – A perceptive and quick-witted member of the community whose knowledge of the town’s secrets makes her an important character.
- Jeremy Renner as Sheriff Gregor Hale – The local law enforcement official, caught between following procedure and assisting Blanc in unconventional ways.
- Kerry Washington as Detective Clara Rodriguez – A determined detective who brings sharp insights to the investigation while adding tension to the unfolding drama.
- Andrew Scott as Father Paul McKenna – A priest whose motivations and past connections intertwine with the central mystery, adding another layer to the story.
- Cailee Spaeny as Sophie Carmichael – A curious and intelligent young woman whose observations are crucial to solving the crime.
- Daryl McCormack as Thomas Bennett – A local figure with hidden agendas that create additional obstacles for Blanc.
- Thomas Haden Church as Reverend Richard Holt – His presence in the church and secretive behavior deepen the suspense and raise questions about the town’s hidden dynamics.
This ensemble ensures a mix of perspectives, secrets, and personal stakes, giving the film its tension and making every scene feel alive.
Plot Details
Benoit Blanc arrives in a quiet upstate New York town called Chimney Rock, where the local parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude, is run by the intense and charismatic Monsignor Jefferson Wicks.
Father Jud Duplenticy, a young priest with a complicated past, is sent to assist Wicks and quickly becomes embroiled in tension. During a fiery sermon, Wicks walks into a sealed concrete “prayer box” in front of his congregation — and thirty seconds later, he’s found inside, stabbed to death.
The whole parish is thrown into chaos. A very devoted church lady, a skeptical lawyer, a doctor, an author, and a cellist—all are part of Wicks’s tight-knit flock, and all become suspects.
Local police chief Geraldine Scott (played by Mila Kunis) asks Benoit Blanc to help solve the case. Blanc treats the mysterious death not as a miracle, but as a murder — even if it seems “impossible.”
As Blanc investigates, he peels back layers of faith, power, and personal shame. The characters’ secrets come out, and what looked like a divine mystery may hide something much more human and dangerous.
Production Details
Filming took place in London during the summer of 2024, with meticulous attention to the church setting and surrounding town to create a suspenseful atmosphere. Rian Johnson worked closely with producers Ram Bergman and Katie McNeill, maintaining the franchise’s signature style of blending suspense, humor, and rich character moments.
Cinematographer Steve Yedlin returns to create a visual style that highlights shadows, light, and tension, complementing the story’s “locked-room crime” feel. Nathan Johnson’s musical score intensifies the suspense while also accentuating quieter, more introspective moments, ensuring that every scene serves both narrative and emotional purposes.
Reception & Anticipation
Early reactions from the Toronto premiere indicate that Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery may be the franchise’s most ambitious and emotionally resonant entry. Critics have praised the way the story combines a classic murder mystery with explorations of conscience, faith, and human behavior.
The star-studded cast delivers performances that heighten tension and deepen character development. Online discussions are already full of fan theories about the “perfectly impossible” crime, keeping the buzz alive ahead of the global release.
Conclusion
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery promises an exciting mix of suspense, clever detective work, and emotional depth. With Benoit Blanc back in action, the movie keeps you guessing until the very end, balancing smart twists with moments of humor and tension.
The church setting, the intricate plot, and the talented cast make it a must-watch for both fans of the series and newcomers. Whether you experience it in theaters or stream it on Netflix, the mystery, secrets, and unexpected revelations ensure that Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery will leave a lasting impression.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When and where can I watch Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery?
The movie has a limited theatrical release starting on November 26, 2025, and will be available to stream on Netflix from December 12, 2025.
Q2. How long is the movie?
The runtime is approximately 140 minutes, or about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Q3. Who is in the cast?
The film stars a large ensemble, including Daniel Craig (Benoit Blanc), Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.
Q4. What is the basic plot or mystery about?
Detective Benoit Blanc teams up with a young priest to investigate what appears to be an “impossible crime” inside a small-town church.
Q5. What genre is Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery?
The film is a blend of mystery, thriller, drama, and dark comedy, combining classic detective work with intense moral and emotional themes.