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Wake Up Dead Man Opens to Strong Early Reviews, Steering Knives Out Into Darker, Faith-Focused Territory

Early reviews praise a darker church-set whodunit that spotlights Josh O’Connor’s priest.

Overview

  • Rian Johnson’s third Benoit Blanc mystery begins a limited theatrical run on Nov. 26 before streaming on Netflix on Dec. 12.
  • Critics report a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score, citing a soulful focus on faith and a standout performance from Josh O’Connor.
  • The film retools the series structure by centering Rev. Jud Duplenticy and delaying Daniel Craig’s Blanc until later in the story.
  • Set in an upstate New York parish, the movie explores sincere belief and the ways powerful figures can manipulate religion.
  • Johnson says he intends to keep making Knives Out films with Craig and is already discussing future ideas.