Benoit Blanc is back, and this time it’s personal. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery – the third installment in Rian Johnson’s killer franchise – dropped on Netflix December 12, 2025 (after limited theaters November 26), and it’s already cracked the case as one of the streamer’s biggest hits, topping global charts with 20.2M views in its debut weekend.
Daniel Craig reprises his iconic Southern sleuth in what Johnson calls Blanc’s “most dangerous case yet.” We’re real fans at FilmBuzzr, and spoiler-free: this one’s a gothic shift from the sunny vibes of Glass Onion, blending classic whodunit with deeper themes of faith, forgiveness, and division. Let’s unravel why it’s dividing fans – but mostly winning big.
The Case: A Murder in the House of God
Blanc heads to a leafy upstate New York church where a charismatic but controversial monsignor (think radical preacher vibes) turns up dead. Suspects? His loyal (and troubled) flock, each with secrets tied to faith, anger, and redemption.
It’s got that locked-room mystery flavor – intricate twists, red herrings, and Johnson’s sharp script flipping expectations. Darker and more emotional than the first two, with gothic atmosphere and religious undertones. Runtime: 2h 20m – deliberate pacing rewards patience.
The Cast: Stacked and Stealing Scenes
Craig’s Blanc is understated here (he arrives later), letting the ensemble shine:
- Josh O’Connor (Challengers star) as a conflicted parishioner – breakout performance, hilarious one minute, heartbreaking the next.
- Glenn Close as unhinged devotee Martha – borderline terrifying.
- Heavy hitters: Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Thomas Haden Church.
Everyone delivers – sparkling banter, but grounded in real tension.
Verdict: Best Mystery in the Trilogy?
Critics love it (92% RT, near-perfect scores) – “twistier, darker, more emotional” with stunning cinematography and optimism amid division. Some say sharper plot than Glass Onion, almost matching the original Knives Out.
Cons? Slower start, less “fun” laughs – more thinker than party. But the payoff? Massive.
FilmBuzzr Rating: 9/10 – Elite whodunit. Binge if you crave smart mysteries like Agatha Christie with modern bite. Blanc’s best case yet?
Blanc back for more? Thoughts on the twists (no spoilers!)? Comment below!
More Netflix heat? Check our Netflix guides or Reviews.
