Wake Up Dead Man feels like the culmination of everything the previous two Knives Out films have been building toward to. By confidently shaking up the formula, the film delivers an experience that feels fresh, riveting, and more ambitious than its predecessors. If we had to choose the best entry in the trilogy, this would be it. Not only does it lean into the classic whodunit to drive intrigue, but it also explores deeper themes, particularly religion, making the mystery about more than just murder and death.
The story centers on Father Jud (Josh O’Connor), a former boxer turned Catholic priest who is reassigned as assistant pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude Church which is led by the controversial Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin). Known for his incendiary and unconventional preaching, Wicks has driven away much of his congregation. During a Good Friday service, he is found stabbed to death. With Father Jud emerging as the only reasonable suspect, Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is called in to help solve the case.
Surprisingly, the Wake Up Dead Man begins without its lead Benoit Blanc at the forefront instead anchoring the narrative to Father Jud’s perspective. This creative choice immediately sets the film apart, adding a lot of layers to the mystery and sustaining the guessing game far more effectively. Watching the story unfold through the eyes of someone who appears both suspicious and undeniably innocent creates a compelling tug of war as a viewer. When Blanc finally enters the picture, his playful banter with Father Jud results in an unexpected chemistry. Josh O’Connor delivers a standout performance as Father Jud and at times even stealing the spotlight from Daniel Craig’s reliably excellent portrayal as Blanc.
With a large ensemble cast, the film’s only notable shortcoming is that not every character receives the depth and development one might hope for. Still, even with limited screen time, each character is given enough quirks and motivations to remain a viable suspect. The decision to tackle religion as a central theme is another bold move, and one the film handles with surprising restraint. Rather than framing the story as a battle between atheistic and theistic views, it uses faith as a narrative tension that deepens the mystery without taking sides. The result is a well-balanced approach that adds thematic weight without preaching a side. It’s impressive how consistently this franchise continues to deliver, and with its third entry, Wake Up Dead Man stands as its most confident and compelling mystery yet.
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Wake Up Dead Man (2025) Movie Review: The Best Knives Out Yet
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