The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) once again played host to the highly anticipated world premiere of Rian Johnson’s latest “Knives Out” installment, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” on September 6, 2025. The event marked a significant moment for the beloved franchise, showcasing Daniel Craig’s triumphant return as the enigmatic Detective Benoit Blanc amidst a galaxy of stars and a darker, more intricate narrative than its predecessors.
Benoit Blanc’s Most Dangerous Case Yet
Daniel Craig reprises his iconic role as the debonair, Southern-accented detective Benoit Blanc, embarking on what director Rian Johnson has described as his “most dangerous case yet”. The “Wake Up Dead Man” premiere at TIFF, a festival that has launched both previous “Knives Out” films, generated immense excitement, solidifying the series’ status as a major player in contemporary cinema releases. Craig’s portrayal of Blanc has been central to the franchise’s appeal, and early reviews suggest this outing offers his best performance as the detective to date.
A Pantheon of Stars Descends on Toronto
Joining Craig is an expansive and dazzling ensemble cast that reads like a who’s who of Hollywood talent. The film features acclaimed actors such as Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church. The chemistry among this caliber of performers is a hallmark of Johnson’s approach, fostering a camaraderie that extends beyond the screen. Cast members have spoken glowingly of the collaborative environment, with some describing the experience as an “absolute dream” and akin to an “all-star team”. Josh O’Connor, in particular, has garnered significant praise for his role as a young priest, with many critics highlighting him as a standout performer who “steals the movie”.
A Gothic Turn with Themes of Faith and Logic
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” signals a tonal shift for the franchise, delving into darker, more gothic territory inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe and classic mystery writers like John Dickson Carr and G.K. Chesterton. Set in a small-town church in Upstate New York, the film reportedly explores the tensions between faith and logic, spirituality, redemption, revenge, and forgiveness. This departure from the “cozy mystery” of the first film and the “vacation comedy mystery” of its sequel marks Johnson’s desire to constantly innovate within the genre. The narrative centers on a seemingly impossible murder that rocks a close-knit church community, drawing Blanc into a labyrinth of spiritual and logical complexities.
Netflix’s Strategic Release: Theatrical Run and Streaming Debut
Netflix is employing a robust release strategy for “Wake Up Dead Man,” a move that reflects a growing trend for the streaming giant to offer a more substantial theatrical presence for its major releases. Following its TIFF premiere, the film is slated for a limited two-week theatrical run in select U.S. cinemas beginning November 26, 2025. This theatrical engagement not only builds anticipation but also ensures eligibility for the upcoming Academy Awards. The movie will then become available globally on Netflix on December 12, 2025. This strategy represents a significant expansion of theatrical engagement compared to “Glass Onion,” which had a shorter, more limited run.
Critical Acclaim and Franchise Momentum
Early critical reactions following the TIFF premiere have been overwhelmingly positive, with many outlets hailing “Wake Up Dead Man” as the best installment in the “Knives Out” series yet. Reviewers have praised its intricate plot, darker themes, visual style, and the performances of its stellar cast, particularly Daniel Craig and Josh O’Connor. The film has garnered a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes in its initial reviews, with some critics calling it a “glorious, goofy gothic horror” and “the franchise’s best movie yet”. The consistent quality and critical success of the “Knives Out” movies, with “Knives Out” and “Glass Onion” both boasting high scores, suggest that “Wake Up Dead Man” is set to continue this winning streak and further cement the franchise’s legacy in cinematic history. The news of this highly anticipated movie’s premiere and its promising critical reception is sure to be trending among film enthusiasts.
The success of “Wake Up Dead Man” at TIFF, coupled with its strategic theatrical and streaming releases, underscores the enduring appeal of well-crafted mysteries and the evolving landscape of movie premieres and distribution. As audiences prepare for Benoit Blanc’s latest puzzle, the “Knives Out” series continues to deliver fresh, engaging narratives that captivate both critics and fans alike, marking it as a significant new movie release.
