As mentioned in my Glass Onion review, Netflix purchased the rights to produce two sequels to Knives Out. Thankfully, the first sequel received similar critical acclaim and netted Rian Johnson another Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. For the next installment, Johnson again drew inspiration from Agatha Christie, plus Edgar Allen Poe and John Dickson Carr. He also drew on his own experiences of being raised in Evangelism, though he chose to focus on Catholicism. Along with the returning Daniel Craig, the cast included Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Cailee Spaeny, and Andrew Scott. Jeremy Renner also joined the cast, making this his first feature role since his near-fatal accident in 2023. Filming began in early 2024 around London, with additional filming in New York later that year. After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery opened in late 2025.
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Synopsis
After punching out a deacon, former boxer-turned-priest Rev. Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) gets reassigned to upstate New York. He goes to Our Lady of Perpetual Fortune, run by Msgr. Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), who preaches gloom and doom. During a Good Friday service, Hicks unexpectedly dies from a backstabbing, making Jud a prime suspect. To help with the investigation, police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) hires world-renowned detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig). Other suspects include Wicks’ assistant, Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close), Dr. Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner), and lawyer Vera Draven (Kerry Washington). There’s also author Lee Ross (Andrew Scott), cellist Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny), and groundskeeper Samson Holt (Thomas Haden Church). As the investigation continues, more is learned about the church’s history and how Wicks’ family ties into it. Just who is responsible for Wicks’ death, and is Jud guilty, or is there something more going on?
Review
Compared to the last installment, Wake Up Dead Man is a marked improvement in many ways. For one, the pacing is much better, sprinkling in the flashbacks rather than derailing halfway through, as before. The flashbacks feel more woven into the narrative and help slowly reveal more information as the film goes on. Also, while the bright, tropical style of Glass Onion was nice, I prefer the darker edge of this installment. From the church’s Gothic architecture to its minimal lighting, there’s a macabre mood that draws you deeper into the mystery. Interestingly, Rian Johnson claims to have drawn inspiration from Francis Ford Coppola’s Dracula, which makes sense. Both movies have a strikingly dark vibe in their production design and cinematography, which lend themselves well to the material. Admittedly, this is more subjective than objective, so your mileage may vary based on your tastes.
As with the previous two installments, Daniel Craig turns in another stellar performance as Benoit Blanc. Interestingly, we see a different side of Blanc, one that questions his faith and doubts his methods. Alongside him, Josh O’Connor excels as a priest torn between his violent past and his desire to do good. Cailee Spaeny, who shone in last year’s Civil War and Alien: Romulus, once again delivers as a broken cellist. Josh Brolin works as an incendiary priest, and Glenn Close shines as Wicks’s sycophantic assistant, giving an all-star performance. Washington delivers a subtle charm, Renner and Scott are entertaining, and Church makes the most of his limited screentime. Speaking of, Jeffrey Wright steals his scenes as a quiet priest who’s unafraid to speak his mind, even if vulgar. Mila Kunis is good, if slightly out of place, in her role, and Noah Segen returns as a friendly bartender.
Like Glass Onion, this film takes a satirical jab at aspects of today’s culture, including conspiracy theories and cancel culture. For instance, there’s a great gag about Lee Ross finding success but not with the audience he wanted. The movie also explores faith and religion, though it never feels like the filmmakers are condemning people for their beliefs. Instead, it’s more of a commentary about how some religious figures can use their power for nefarious purposes. For instance, while Jud tries to welcome people in, Wicks is content preaching fire and brimstone to drive them away. Admittedly, the film takes some leaps in logic to make the mystery work, but so do many other movies. Plus, at roughly two hours and twenty minutes, parts feel slow, but not enough to ruin the experience. Overall, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is another great mystery thriller worth investigating.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is in theaters.
Where to watch Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)
