A Murder "Dressed as a Miracle"—Rian Johnson's Boldest Whodunit Arrives
Fans of twisty mysteries, rejoice:
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is set to shake up the genre when it lands in theaters November 26 and streams on Netflix December 12. Director Rian Johnson returns with his sharpest, darkest entry yet, plunging Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) into a case that’s as confounding as it is unsettling.
The Impossible Crime That Stuns a Small Town
The story centers on the shocking murder of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), who dies in front of a packed church after entering a sealed concrete box—only to be found dead moments later. The crime is so baffling, Blanc himself calls it “a perfectly impossible crime,” and the trailer teases a “holy mystery” that’s “unsolvable”.
The suspects? A colorful cast of small-town personalities, each with secrets and motives:
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Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor): The new priest, openly hostile to the Monsignor
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Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close): Devoted church lady with a steely resolve
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Samson Holt (Thomas Haden Church): Groundskeeper with a cautious streak
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Vera Draven (Kerry Washington): Uptight attorney
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Cy Draven (Daryl McCormack): Ambitious politician
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Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner): Local doctor
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Lee Ross (Andrew Scott): Writer with a mysterious past
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Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny): Talented cellist
Police Chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) calls in Blanc, knowing this case is “way beyond normal police work”.
Rian Johnson’s Most Personal—and Unsettling—Mystery
What sets
Wake Up Dead Man apart? According to early reviews and Johnson himself, the film draws deeply from his own upbringing in the church, infusing the story with charged moral tension and a haunting atmosphere. The small-town religious setting forces viewers to wrestle with the boundaries between “good” and “evil,” making this installment both funnier and far more unsettling than its predecessors.
Critics who caught early screenings rave about the film’s “confident visual style,” “deliberate direction,” and “stellar ensemble.” Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc is described as “hilarious” and “heartfelt,” while Josh O’Connor’s performance is singled out as a highlight.
What This Means for the Knives Out Franchise
With its impossible crime, religious undertones, and a cast packed with Oscar nominees,
Wake Up Dead Man is poised to be the crown jewel of the Knives Out trilogy. The film’s focus on “hatred festering in closed-off communities” and the need to “let it go in order to move on” feels timely and resonant.
For fans, expect:
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A mystery that trusts its audience: No cheap twists—just escalating intrigue and clever storytelling.
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Repeat viewing appeal: Hidden details and layered performances reward careful attention.
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A darker, more mature tone: The film doesn’t shy away from unsettling themes, making it a standout in the series.
Actionable Takeaways and What’s Next
- Mark your calendars:
Wake Up Dead Man hits select theaters November 26 and Netflix December 12.
- Expect a film that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking, with plenty of twists to keep you guessing.
- If you’re a fan of smart mysteries, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Sources
1. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025) - IMDb
2. The 'Knives Out 3' trailer presents an 'impossible crime' for Daniel ...
3. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery | Official Teaser | Netflix
