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Wake Up Dead Man Debuts at No. 1 on Netflix as Critics Praise Knives Out’s Darkest Case Yet

Rian Johnson’s third Benoit Blanc mystery draws strong early reviews for its faith‑inflected tone and a standout turn by Josh O’Connor.

A collage of three stills of Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), taken from "Glass Onion," "Wake Up Dead Man" and "Knives Out" (L-R)
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Overview

  • The film began a limited theatrical run on November 26 and launched globally on Netflix on December 12.
  • FlixPatrol data shows it was the number one movie on Netflix globally and in the U.S. on opening day.
  • Early reception is strong, with a Rotten Tomatoes score around 92% and reviews highlighting a darker, more soulful focus on religion.
  • Josh O’Connor’s performance as Father Jud Duplenticy is widely singled out by critics and fans as a breakout highlight.
  • Set in a small upstate New York parish, the story follows Benoit Blanc working with police chief Geraldine Scott and a young priest to investigate a church leader’s death, with Johnson noting the film draws on his evangelical upbringing.