Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’s Reviews Ignite TIFF with Rave Reactions

The highly anticipated third installment in Rian Johnson’s acclaimed Knives Out franchise, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 6, 2025, and its reviews are setting the internet ablaze.

Critics and audiences alike are hailing this gothic-infused whodunit as a thrilling, emotional, and possibly the sharpest entry in the series yet. Starring Daniel Craig as the suave detective Benoit Blanc, alongside a star-studded cast, the film has earned a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, sparking widespread excitement.

This article dives into the buzz, breaking down the key elements of the first of the Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery's reviews and what makes this Benoit Blanc story a standout.

Highlights:

• Perfect Score: Wake Up Dead Man boasts a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating from its TIFF premiere.

• Gothic Shift: The film embraces a darker, Edgar Allan Poe-inspired tone, distinct from the lighter Glass Onion.

• Standout Performances: Daniel Craig and Josh O’Connor shine, with critics calling their dynamic “electric” and “a match made in heaven.”

• Release Dates: Limited theatrical release on November 26, 2025; streaming on Netflix December 12, 2025.

• Critical Praise: Described as “twistier,” “darker,” and “the funniest and most playful” in the trilogy.

What Makes the Film’s Gothic Tone So Captivating?

Unlike the cozy mystery of Knives Out or the sun-soaked satire of Glass Onion, Wake Up Dead Man plunges into a darker, more introspective narrative.

Set in a wintry parish in upstate New York, the film weaves gothic elements with theological undertones, evoking Edgar Allan Poe’s haunting style.

Critics note the chilling atmosphere, with stone-and-wood settings and a murder in a church closet during a Good Friday service.

This shift to a more intimate, community-focused story has been praised for its “concentrated pressure” and ability to balance humor with unease, making it a fresh take on the whodunit genre.

The film’s setting, centered around a small religious community, adds layers of intrigue. Posts on X highlight the “gorgeously dark” aesthetic, with one user calling it a “traditional murder mystery with gothic inflections.”

This tonal evolution has resonated, with reviewers noting that the film’s exploration of faith, deception, and power feels both timely and timeless.

How Do Daniel Craig and Josh O’Connor Elevate the Story?

Daniel Craig’s return as Benoit Blanc is a major draw, with critics describing his performance as his “sharpest yet.” His Southern drawl and wily charm remain, but this time, Blanc navigates a case with deeper emotional stakes.

Josh O’Connor, playing Reverend Jud Duplenticy, a former boxer turned priest, steals the show as a complex suspect-turned-ally. Reviewers have lauded their chemistry, with one calling them “a match made in heaven” for their ability to blend wit and intensity.

The ensemble cast, including Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, and Cailee Spaeny, also garners praise. Critics highlight the group’s dynamic, noting that their interactions in a single setting create a “murderer’s row” of talent.

The cast’s commitment, with reports of them staying on set rather than retreating to trailers, adds authenticity to the film’s tense atmosphere.

Why Is the Mystery Deemed the Twistiest Yet?

The plot centers on a suspicious death in a church, with Blanc unraveling a web of motives and secrets. The narrative structure, built around Jud’s written confession, uses a non-linear approach that keeps viewers guessing.

Critics have called the mystery “deliciously twisty,” with a locked-room setup that defies easy solutions. The murder, involving a devil-head knife, occurs in seconds, yet the tight timeline and clear sightlines make it a puzzle that’s “impossible to predict.” This intricate design has led some to argue it surpasses the previous films’ complexity.

The film’s thematic depth, exploring questions of belief and disinformation, adds intellectual weight. Reviewers appreciate how Johnson uses the murder mystery to probe why audiences are drawn to stories of betrayal, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

What Are Critics Saying About Rian Johnson’s Direction?

Rian Johnson’s ability to reinvent the whodunit while staying true to its roots is a recurring theme in reviews. His direction is praised for its “clever and droll” execution, blending humor, heart, and gothic horror seamlessly.

Critics note that Johnson’s playful yet precise storytelling makes Wake Up Dead Man feel like “a return to form” after the broader scope of Glass Onion. The film’s balance of irreverent jokes and serious themes, like faith versus rationality, has been called “glorious” and “ambitious.”

Despite one review suggesting the mystery’s excitement slightly wanes, the overwhelming consensus is positive, with descriptions like “the funniest and most playful” and “nearly pitch-perfect.” Johnson’s knack for casting and his focus on human-scale storytelling have cemented his reputation as a master of the genre.

When and Where Can You Watch the Film?

Wake Up Dead Man is set for a limited theatrical release on November 26, 2025, followed by a Netflix streaming debut on December 12, 2025.

This staggered release has fueled anticipation, with fans eager to experience the film on the big screen before it hits streaming platforms. The TIFF premiere has already positioned it as a must-see, with its perfect Rotten Tomatoes score adding to the hype.

Why Is the Film Generating Such Buzz?

The film’s reception at TIFF has been electric, with audiences and critics calling it a “blast” and “the best Knives Out yet.” Social media reactions emphasize its darker tone, stellar cast, and Johnson’s bold creative choices.

The perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, while based on early reviews, underscores its immediate impact. Posts on X reflect excitement, with one user noting it “nearly brought the house down” at TIFF. This buzz suggests Wake Up Dead Man could be a cultural touchstone this holiday season.

Some Closing Thoughts: A Must-Watch Mystery Awaits

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery has emerged from TIFF as a triumph, blending gothic depth, razor-sharp humor, and a stellar cast led by Daniel Craig and Josh O’Connor.

Its perfect critical score and innovative storytelling make it a standout in the franchise, promising both laughs and thrills. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Benoit Blanc’s world, this film is shaping up to be an unmissable chapter.

Mark your calendars for its theatrical and streaming releases, and prepare for a mystery that’s as clever as it is captivating.