Wake Up Dead Man: A Parish Priest Murder Mystery, Daniel Craig Returns as Benoit Blanc

"Wake Up Dead Man," the latest installment in the Knives Out franchise, is set to rock the big screen with its unsolved priest murder mystery. Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Parish Priest Murder Mystery, Daniel Craig Returns as Benoit Blanc
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"Wake Up Dead Man," the latest installment in the Knives Out franchise, is set to rock the big screen with its unsolved priest murder mystery. Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc.

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The highly anticipated mystery movie, "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," directed by Rian Johnson, has officially premiered.

This third installment in the Knives Out series sees the return of master detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, who is now facing with the mysterious murder of a priest in a remote parish in upstate New York.

READ MORE:6 Fakta Film Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Termasuk Makna Tersembunyi di Balik Judulnya

The murder of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks during a Good Friday service becomes the starting point for a puzzling investigation.

The local police chief, Geraldine Scott, specifically calls Blanc to help solve this "classic impossible crime."

Slated for release on Netflix on December 12, 2025, after a limited theatrical release, "Wake Up Dead Man" is poised to captivate global audiences.

Murder Mystery in a Rural Parish

The plot of "Wake Up Dead Man" centers on the death of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks at Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude Parish.

Wicks' death happened under very strange circumstances, in a room that seemed impossible to enter or leave unnoticed that makes the case a significant challenge for Detective Blanc since Rev. Jud Duplenticy, a former boxer turned priest, is the prime suspect.

Jud's troubled past, coupled with his ongoing feud with Monsignor Wicks, puts him in a difficult position and Blanc must pursue every clue to determine whether Jud is truly guilty or simply a victim of circumstance.

Beautiful visuals, such as the damp forest and light shining through the stained glass windows, create an atmosphere that supports the story.

These visual elements even tend toward horror or ghost stories, making the mystery in "Wake Up Dead Man" even more compelling.

The Return of Detective Benoit Blanc and an All-Star Lineup

Daniel Craig is once again captivating as private detective Benoit Blanc, a brilliant and charismatic character.

In "Wake Up Dead Man," Blanc's appearance is slightly different, with longer hair and a more polished style who describes himself as a "proud heretic" who can't resist solving a case.

The film is supported by a stellar ensemble cast, including Josh O'Connor as Reverend Jud Duplentiful and Josh Brolin as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks.

Josh O'Connor's powerful performance as Jud serves as the film's emotional core, making the uncertainty surrounding his involvement even more intense.

Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, and Andrew Scott also add to the cast.

The presence of big names like Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, Thomas Haden Church, and Noah Segan further enriches the character dynamics.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Jeffrey Wright also appear in prominent roles, adding to the long list of talent involved in "Wake Up Dead Man."

Tone Change and Brief Review from Critics

"Wake Up Dead Man" marks a significant tonal shift in the Knives Out series, moving toward a more serious and introspective narrative.

The film deeply explores themes of religion, faith, and community, inspired by director Rian Johnson's religious background. Although Johnson is now an atheist, he chose Catholicism as the film's aesthetic backdrop.

Some critics noted that the film may have lost some of the charm and humor of the first two films, "Knives Out" and "Glass Onion."

However, many still praised the clever plot, sharp dialogue, and captivating acting.

The film returns to its roots as a gothic mystery with a wintry feel, a departure from the summer vacation atmosphere of "Glass Onion."

Despite comparisons to the previous films, "Wake Up Dead Man" received generally positive reviews.

Many called it a "multi-layered delight" and a "smart and witty whodunit."

Some even consider it the best "Knives Out" film because of its most complex and engaging murder mechanics, offering a satisfying intellectual experience for mystery fans.

In fact, the movie is certified fresh in Rotten Tomatoes.