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‘Wake Up Dead Man’ Review: A Flawed Yet Ambitious ‘Knives Out’ Mystery

Source: ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ review: The new ‘Knives Out’ mystery struggles beneath its ambition (2025-12-02)

In the latest installment of Rian Johnson’s ‘Knives Out’ series, ‘Wake Up Dead Man,’ the film attempts to blend sharp wit, intricate mystery, and social commentary, but struggles beneath its grand ambitions. While the series has captivated audiences with detective Benoit Blanc’s eccentric charm, this third entry feels overstuffed, with a script that falters amidst its lofty themes of faith, power, and corruption. Despite its flaws, the film remains entertaining, showcasing Johnson’s flair for creating colorful characters and twisty plots. Since the original ‘Knives Out’ in 2019, which grossed over $312 million on a $40 million budget, the franchise has become a major Hollywood success. Netflix’s $496 million investment for two sequels underscores the studio’s confidence in the series’ potential. ‘Glass Onion’ (2022) continued the trend with a star-studded cast and lavish production, setting high expectations for ‘Wake Up Dead Man.’ The film’s ambitious scope includes exploring themes of societal decay and moral ambiguity, reflecting contemporary issues such as political corruption and religious fanaticism. Recent facts that deepen understanding of the series’ impact and context include: 1. The ‘Knives Out’ franchise has significantly influenced the modern mystery genre, inspiring a wave of similar whodunit films and series. 2. Rian Johnson’s approach combines traditional detective tropes with modern satire, making the series appealing to both genre enthusiasts and critics. 3. The films have been praised for their diverse casts, with ‘Glass Onion’ featuring a lineup of international stars, reflecting Netflix’s global reach. 4. The franchise’s success has sparked discussions about the future of streaming-exclusive blockbuster films, challenging traditional theatrical releases. 5. Critics have noted that while the series excels in style and character, its complex plotting sometimes sacrifices coherence for spectacle, a trend evident in ‘Wake Up Dead Man.’ As of late 2025, the ‘Knives Out’ series continues to be a benchmark for high-budget mystery filmmaking, blending entertainment with social critique. ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ exemplifies the challenges of balancing ambitious storytelling with tight scripting, yet it remains a noteworthy addition to Johnson’s oeuvre. For fans and newcomers alike, the film offers a visually rich, thought-provoking experience—albeit one that may leave viewers pondering whether its grandeur outweighs its narrative flaws. With Johnson’s ongoing commitment to the series and Netflix’s substantial backing, the future of ‘Knives Out’ promises more inventive mysteries, even as critics debate whether the franchise can sustain its initial spark amid increasing complexity.

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