Following early reviews, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (Knives Out 3) has earned strong critical acclaim ahead of its release. Critics are praising Rian Johnson’s latest whodunit for its sharp writing, intricate mystery, and standout performances from Daniel Craig and Josh O’Connor. Many are highlighting its darker tone, faith-driven themes, and inventive spin on the modern murder mystery formula.
What critics are saying about Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Top critics have widely praised Rian Johnson’s third Knives Out film for its performances, writing, and inventive tone. Peter Howell of Toronto Star called it “the best yet,” highlighting Daniel Craig’s “funkier and more focused” Benoit Blanc.
The Guardian’s Benjamin Lee described it as “a series that’s really found its footing again,” while The Times (UK) critic Kevin Maher rated it 5/5 for delivering “giggles, twists, and gasp-inducing rug-pulls.” Time Out’s Philip De Semlyen praised Johnson for assembling his “strongest cast yet,” comparing Craig and Josh O’Connor’s dynamic to “Holmes and Watson.”
Other top critics echoed these sentiments. BBC.com’s Caryn James said the film “functions perfectly well even when Blanc himself is nowhere around,” crediting O’Connor’s performance for keeping the franchise “buoyant.”
Variety’s Owen Gleiberman noted Johnson’s “winking level of spiritual inquiry,” while Rolling Stone’s David Rooney emphasized the film’s “great-looking cinematography” and “richly detailed production design.”
Deadline’s Damon Wise highlighted its “Scooby-Doo” influences, and HeyUGuys’ Linda Marric called it “smart, stylish, and hauntingly funny,” praising O’Connor for nearly stealing the show from Craig.
Johnson’s gothic mystery also impressed critics at Screen International and The Film Stage, who described it as an “inventive locked-room mystery” that “solidifies Johnson’s reliability to deliver thoughtful thrills.”
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery gets near perfect Rotten Tomatoes score
As of late October 2025, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery holds a 94% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes from 89 critic reviews. The critics’ consensus reads: “Giving Benoit Blanc a worthy mystery with its genuinely soulful fixation on faith and a scene-stealing Josh O’Connor performance, Wake Up Dead Man is another Knives Out puzzle that comes together splendidly.”
In comparison, Knives Out (2019) holds a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes from 473 reviews, while its sequel, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) holds 91% from 437 reviews. The new film’s near-perfect percentage places it between its two predecessors, suggesting sustained critical success for Johnson’s trilogy.
Releasing November 26 in theaters and December 12 on Netflix, the film runs 2 hours 20 minutes. It follows Detective Benoit Blanc investigating a monsignor’s death, blending humor, drama, and faith-driven mystery.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on ComingSoon.
