Josh O'Connor delivers a standout performance, balancing humor and sincerity as a priest navigating faith, guilt, and forgiveness.

The latest installment in Rian Johnson's 'Knives Out' series, titled 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,' premiered at TIFF on September 6, 2025, featuring a star-studded cast including Daniel Craig, Mila Kunis, Glenn Close, and Kerry Washington.

Daniel Craig returns as detective Benoit Blanc, with the story set in a small Catholic church in upstate New York, emphasizing a classic whodunit style with gothic influences.

Described as Johnson's darkest, most intricate, and most ambitious film, it explores themes of truth, lies, faith, and morality, drawing inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe and gothic literature.

The film adopts a darker tone with a gothic atmosphere, delving into religious and moral questions while maintaining its playful and humorous style.

Despite some artificial set elements, the film is praised for its sharp writing, fun surprises, and revitalization of the franchise.

The narrative contrasts rational detective work with fanatic belief, questioning how faith and storytelling influence perception and morality.

The story features a villain, Wicks, a cult-like figure manipulating his congregation, subtly critiquing authoritarian religious figures.

The narrative employs classic mystery devices like red herrings and masks, adding complexity and depth to the whodunit.

Critics describe the film as the most complex and thematically rich in the series, exploring existential questions and mythologizing.

At over two hours, the film successfully balances multiple storylines and characters, even when Blanc's involvement is limited.

The genre shift to a darker, Poe-inspired mystery does not detract from the fun, with some critics calling it a satisfying yet weaker entry.

Johnson's mastery of tone and format ensures the story remains engaging, with strong reviews highlighting its visual appeal and thematic depth.