Knives Out 3 earns 94 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and strong critical acclaim ahead of release

Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery receives glowing reviews, praise for writing & performances

Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery — the third film in the acclaimed Knives Out series — is earning widespread praise from critics ahead of its release. According to early reviews compiled by Rotten Tomatoes, the movie currently holds a 94% Certified Fresh score based on 89 critic reviews, signaling another major success for Johnson’s murder-mystery franchise.

Critics have lauded Wake Up Dead Man for its darker tone, sharp writing, and compelling performances by Daniel Craig and Josh O’Connor. Peter Howell of the Toronto Star described the film as “the best yet,” noting that Craig’s portrayal of detective Benoit Blanc is “funkier and more focused than ever.” The Guardian’s Benjamin Lee praised the sequel for proving that the franchise has “really found its footing again,” while The Times (UK) critic Kevin Maher gave it a perfect five-star rating for its “giggles, twists, and gasp-inducing rug-pulls.”

Time Out’s Philip De Semlyen highlighted the strong chemistry between Craig and O’Connor, likening it to “Holmes and Watson,” while BBC.com’s Caryn James commended O’Connor’s performance for keeping the film “buoyant” even when Blanc is off-screen. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman noted Johnson’s “spiritual inquiry” woven into the narrative, and Rolling Stone’s David Rooney applauded its cinematography and production design.

Other outlets, including Deadline and HeyUGuys, described the film as “smart, stylish, and hauntingly funny,” with Damon Wise pointing out its “Scooby-Doo” influences. Screen International and The Film Stage called it an “inventive locked-room mystery” that cements Johnson’s talent for crafting intelligent thrillers.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery releases November 26 in theaters and December 12 on Netflix. The 2-hour-20-minute gothic mystery follows detective Benoit Blanc as he investigates a monsignor’s death — blending humor, faith, and suspense in Johnson’s signature storytelling style.