Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Blanc returns for a holy whodunit; crude talk, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
What's the Story?
In WAKE UP DEAD MAN: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY, famous private investigator Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is called in to help Police Chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) solve a murder that occurs during a Catholic church service in Upstate New York—a killing in which Father Jud Duplenticy (Josh O'Connor) is the prime suspect. When the mystery seems to become a miracle, Blanc's faith and investigative skills are put to the toughest test yet.
Is It Any Good?
Fun, funny, and phenomenal, the final film in the Benoit Blanc trilogy solidifies writer-director Rian Johnson as the Agatha Christie of the murder-mystery movie. As in the previous two films, characters in Wake Up Dead Man's ensemble reflect some of the problematic personalities of the 2020s. At the center of the mystery is Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), a charismatic small-town church leader who wields power over his congregation like a cult leader, using fear and shame to knit them closer to him. Underlining his messages is church secretary Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close, marvelous as ever), who was groomed as a child to identify and ostracize the sinful, with each judgment elevating her own self-righteousness. Throwing a wrench into the works is newly ordained priest Duplenticy, who arrives fresh with the ideals that the church's purpose is to bring people to Christ for forgiveness, acceptance, and redemption. Pot, get ready to be stirred.
While Hitchcock thrillers are intended to keep you at the edge of your seat, Johnson's films are much more fun: It's nice to skip the horror elements and just have a good time. The enjoyment of the murder mystery is in trying to figure out who did it, how, and why, and the zeal in Blanc's approach turns the whole thing into a gleeful game of clue-chasing. Half an hour in, have everyone you're watching with whisper who they think did it—because while there's much to be revealed in Wake Up Dead Man, the breadcrumbs are there, and teens may feel like junior sleuths when they realize their instincts are right.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the message of Wake Up Dead Man. Can you think of examples of artists—filmmakers, authors, poets, musicians, etc.—who've used their medium to address issues that trouble the country or the world? Who do you think has been particularly effective?
The titles of the movies in the Knives Out trilogy are all song titles by popular bands ("Knives Out" by Radiohead, "The Glass Onion" from the Beatles, and "Wake Up Dead Man" from U2). Think of a song you like with a clever title: Can you imagine a creative plot that could come from it?
What is "a cult of personality"? How is that idea demonstrated through Monsignor Wicks? What tools (actual or emotional) do some leaders use to secure and maintain their status? Who are historical examples of people who have used their power for evil, and those who have used their power for good?
Do you think smoking or drinking is glamorized here? Are there realistic consequences? Which characters smoke and drink, and how does their substance use help viewers understand their struggle in a story sense?
How does Jud demonstrate humility, integrity, and self-control? How does Benoit Blanc act with curiosity and perseverance to solve a crime? Do you consider either of these characters a role model? Why, or why not? Who's the main character here?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 26, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : December 12, 2025
- Cast : Daniel Craig , Josh O'Connor , Josh Brolin , Glenn Close
- Director : Rian Johnson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Faith
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Humility , Integrity
- Run time : 140 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violent content, bloody images, strong language, some crude sexual material, and smoking
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : December 23, 2025
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