Reviewing Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” films can be quite unconventional, especially when done months before their release to the general public. These are movies where even fundamental plot details might be considered spoilers. As mysteries and comedies, they thrive on unexpected twists, with the storyline filled with surprising turns that make even the obvious feel unpredictable. For example, identifying the main character in the original “Knives Out” was in itself a spoiler, as was uncovering the core murder mystery in its sequel, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.”

In the third installment, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” I can outline the basic set-up. It revolves around a locked-room mystery involving the mysterious death of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (played by Josh Brolin), a stern preacher at odds with Reverend Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor), known for his forgiving nature. The congregation, loyal to Wicks, immediately suspect Jud, though they themselves are all potential suspects. Jud, aware of his innocence, chooses to aid detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) rather than remain silent, setting off a journey where even more puzzles emerge, with some clues hidden where least expected.

Addressing the main query upfront: “Wake Up Dead Man” meets the standards set by its predecessors, with certain aspects even surpassing them. It presents the most intricately woven mystery in the series so far, skillfully avoiding a predictable formula and maintaining freshness. A thematic shift from wealth criticism to religious complexities helps in steering away from redundancy. While it may not be the standout best—where “Glass Onion” excelled in humor and cast dynamics—”Wake Up Dead Man” strengthens the franchise’s reputation for delivering consistent entertainment.

The initial act of the movie, recounted through Jud’s narrative for Benoit, outlines the tension between Jud and Wicks leading to Wicks’ unfortunate end. Once a boxer, Jud is now devotedly religious but retains a fiery temper that surfaces when provoked. Transferred from his previous convent to Wicks’ church in upstate New York, Jud’s more inclusive view threatens the combative ideals of the politically aggressive Wicks, who does his utmost to bait Jud.

Detective Blanc enters as an external factor in this religious clash, sharing some values with Jud but not his faith. Blanc’s personal life remains largely unexplored throughout the series. Still, his remarks about his mother, paired with known details from past films, suggest a backstory of religious disillusionment. Jud and Blanc engage in insightful discussions on belief and truth, presenting a balanced perspective. Unlike conventional “Christian cinema” often linked with formulaic storytelling, “Wake Up Dead Man” aligns with a new wave of films that treat Christianity with a nuanced, progressive lens, much like “Conclave” or the musical “The Testament of Ann Lee,” showcased at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.

In keeping with the spirit of its predecessors, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” celebrates the mystery genre with enthusiasm. This film comes with its literary recommendations, akin to how John Dickson Carr’s “The Hollow Man” significantly influences the plot. It fuses respect for classic mystery structures with a sharp, contemporary satirical edge, making it highly relevant to today’s cultural landscape. Despite being filmed before the 2024 election, it feels like the quintessential “2025” movie. Rian Johnson’s ability to predict cultural trajectories is evident, reminiscent of how “Glass Onion” unintentionally became an apt commentary on Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover.

Wicks’ congregation presents an array of different personality types within the religious right. Cy Draven (Daryl McCormack) is a failed political candidate and extremely online influencer who films all of Wicks’ offensive sermons; his lawyer half-sister Vera (Kerry Washington) takes care of him. Dr. Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner) has turned bitter and misogynistic after his divorce, while Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny) sought out the church for faith-healing. Lee Ross (Andrew Scott) is an acclaimed sci-fi author now writing a fawning hagiography of Wicks — think Orson Scott Card if he was Catholic instead of Mormon — and record keeper Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close) is Wicks’ closest confidante. The actors all play these suspects well, though some don’t get as many standout scenes as you might be hoping for; this is less an ensemble film than it is a showcase for the two Joshes, O’Connor and Brolin, balanced with Daniel Craig’s reliable comedy.

“Wake Up Dead Man” takes its time setting all its complicated pieces into place, and like a lot of movies at TIFF this year, it feels long, but the payoff of the final act is absolutely worth it. This is where the need for secrecy makes it really hard to talk about in advance, but beyond just being clever and unexpected, there’s something quietly powerful to this story of truth-seekers in a post-truth world. And there are also some great Andrew Lloyd Webber references.

“Wake Up Dead Man” premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. It will play in theaters on November 26 before streaming on Netflix December 12.