Rian Johnson returns to the world of Benoit Blanc with Wake Up Dead Man, the third installment in the Knives Out series, and the result is a film that is both familiar and subtly more ambitious than its predecessors. Where the first two entries thrived on cozy yet twisted murder mysteries and sparkling ensemble chemistry, this outing shifts the stakes and tone to a much bleaker place, all while reminding you this is a Knives Out film

The film centers on tight-knight group’s church and the sudden death of their minister, triggering suspicion, scandal, and the inevitable need for Blanc’s deductive brilliance. Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc with the easy authority we know, bringing a quiet gravitas that balances the film’s more comedic and chaotic elements. Josh O’Connor however, is the true standout as Father Jud, a man caught in the midst of a murder he didn’t commit. O’Connor is the heart of this film and goes toe-to-toe with Craig for a franchise best performance.

From the opening, Johnson makes it clear that he’s not running back the franchise. Wake Up Dead Man leans darker than its predecessors, exploring themes of faith, power, and public perception. Yet, it retains the playful charm and breeziness the franchise is known for.

The ensemble cast is robust, featuring a mix of returning actors and new faces who embody the kind of deliciously over-the-top characters that Knives Out thrives on. As per the bar for this franchise, all the performances are uniformly strong with O’Connor as mentioned before being a standout. Another standout is Glenn Close, with the acting legend giving one of her finest performances of the century and breathing new light into the film when it’s needed most.

Johnson’s direction continues to shine in his handling of visual storytelling. Every corner of the church to contains a secret, a hint, or a trap for the viewer to spot as the mystery unravels. Cinematographer Steve Yedlin’s work is once again impeccable and him and Johnson are a dynamic duo behind the camera.

Where Wake Up Dead Man distinguishes itself is in its thematic ambition. The main death serves as a vehicle to explore the importance of faith, the manipulation of social media, and how people can change, These core elements add depth to the film without restraining it in any way, allowing Johnson to maintain pacing while introducing commentary that resonates beyond the immediate whodunit.

The script, written by Johnson, is full of clever twists and unexpected turns, though some plot beats occasionally strain credulity. A few subplots feel slightly underused and half-baked, but the film’s charm and ingenuity are sufficient to offset these minor issues, and the ultimate resolution is satisfying both intellectually and emotionally.

Wake Up Dead Man is far and away one of the year’s best films and if this is how the Knives Out franchise ends, Rian Johnson is going out on a very high note. The film’s dark turns, and questions of faith make you think quite a bit as you watch, and the strong script and casting choices make for a devilishly good time. Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig don’t miss.