‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ Scores Big with Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is already making waves ahead of its wide release.

The new mystery comedy, which had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, is getting strong early reactions from critics and currently holds an impressive 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

The movie marks the third entry in Johnson’s Knives Out series, following Glass Onion in 2022. Daniel Craig returns as the sharp-tongued detective Benoit Blanc, joined by a new star-studded cast featuring Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church. The film will open in theaters on November 26 before hitting Netflix on December 12.

Teaser trailer ahoy! WAKE UP DEAD MAN the new Benoit Blanc mystery will be in theaters Thanksgiving and on Netflix 12/12 pic.twitter.com/Dy47suxjAD

— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) September 8, 2025

Critics are praising Johnson for crafting another engaging mystery filled with humor, clever twists, and standout performances. Many agree that the movie manages to feel fresh while keeping the charm that made the earlier Knives Out films such hits. Josh O’Connor’s performance as Father Jud has been getting special attention, with reviewers calling him one of the film’s strongest assets and noting his natural mix of humor and heart.

Daniel Craig’s return as Benoit Blanc is also winning fans over once again. Critics say Craig brings the same playful energy and wit that made his previous appearances so memorable. His on-screen chemistry with O’Connor has been called a highlight, with some comparing the duo to classic detective pairings.

As for Johnson, reviewers say he continues to show mastery in balancing comedy with mystery, while also exploring deeper emotional themes. Some have even gone as far as calling this the best Knives Out movie yet, saying that it not only delivers a great whodunit but also dives into ideas about belief and personal reflection.

A mediocre Rian Johnson mystery is still a great time. Josh O’Connor’s Father Jud affirms the actor’s leading man credentials, and his ease with physical comedy is the film’s highlight.

Carmen Paddock

Craig is once again game to make us fall in line with the joy that comes from his Benoit Blanc performance, while O’Connor provides a sturdy emotional core.

Aaron Neuwirth

Johnson keeps a level head upon himself as he slowly unfolds yet another compelling mystery that, while perhaps not quite reaching the same heights as past films, is more than entertaining enough to keep you engrossed.

Jack Martin

This is easily Johnson’s best Knives Out film yet. It’s not just a great whodunnit, but he’s able to pair the mystery you’d expect, with a deeply introspective and personal look at faith which couldn’t have been easy.

Dan Tabor

Johnson has assembled his strongest cast yet and provides them with entertainingly ‘extra’ characters to inhabit — and for us to tut at. Best of all, Daniel Craig and Josh O’Connor form a sleuthing double act with shades of Holmes and Watson.

Philip De Semlyen

The ensemble cast has also earned strong praise, with critics noting how every actor brings something unique to the story. Johnson’s ability to juggle a large cast and still make each character stand out has once again been recognized as one of his strengths.

It sounds like Rian Johnson has done it again. Instead of trying to top the previous films with bigger twists, he seems to be focusing on giving fans a story that’s both entertaining and thoughtful. The combination of Daniel Craig’s charm, Josh O’Connor’s breakout performance, and Johnson’s sharp writing could make this one of the best entries yet.

What about you? Are you excited to see Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery when it hits theaters or Netflix? Share your thoughts in the comments.