The third film in Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, arrived on Netflix today. You see Benoit Blanc return to lead another whodunit. Early reactions show the usual split between viewers who enjoy complex plotting and those who find it heavy.
Bollywood Hungama rated the film 3.5/5 and called it a captivating, twist-packed whodunit shaped by Johnson’s direction. They highlight the strong surprises that unfold once Daniel Craig’s Blanc begins to investigate the murder of a radical priest, played by Josh Brolin, in a quiet New York village.
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Performances draw steady praise. Brolin leaves a strong mark despite limited time on screen. Josh O’Connor delivers a standout act as the ex-boxer priest, and Glenn Close commands attention in a key role. Kerry Washington and Daryl McCormack support the story well, though the doctor played by Jeremy Renner and the musician feel thinly written.
Critics point to the 146-minute runtime as a clear issue. Some stretches drag, and the plot grows dense as twists pile up. A few turns feel less believable than those in earlier films. Nathan Johnson’s music and the cinematography build mood, but tighter editing would have helped.
Overall responses place the film as a solid addition for fans. It offers enough style and intrigue to keep you engaged, even with pacing flaws. Social media reactions match this balanced view, expecting strong numbers on Netflix.
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