The Toronto International Film Festival’s red carpet shimmered under flashbulbs as Daniel Craig arrived for the world premiere of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Little did the crowd know they were witnessing the birth of a critical phenomenon. By the next morning, Rian Johnson’s third whodunit had achieved the unthinkable—a pristine 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes from its first ten reviews. Could this be detective Benoit Blanc’s most dazzling case yet? 🕵️‍♂️✨

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Early reactions unanimously hailed the film as the franchise’s "most intricate and layered mystery," though scores revealed fascinating nuances:

Critic Publication Rating Key Takeaway
Cinema Spotlight 10/10 "A masterclass in suspense"
The Reel Times 4/5 "Craig’s wittiest performance"
Mystery Gazette 6/10 "Complex but slightly overstuffed"

What makes this ensemble truly extraordinary? Craig’s southern sleuth returns alongside Hollywood’s elite:

  • Josh Brolin as a reclusive tech billionaire

  • Mila Kunis playing an avant-garde artist

  • Glenn Close’s Martha Delacroix, seen mid-scream in a chilling still

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Jeremy Renner’s enigmatic Dr. Hart and Andrew Scott’s book-signing novelist add layers to the gothic thriller, filmed in shadow-drenched mansions and eerie cemeteries. Notice how cinematography becomes a character itself—like Blanc silhouetted against stained-glass windows:

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The pressure is palpable. To maintain its lead over previous installments, Wake Up Dead Man must sustain praise through its November 26 theatrical release and December 12 Netflix debut. Consider the legacy it challenges:

  1. 🔥 Knives Out (2019): 97% Tomatometer / 92% Audience

  2. 💎 Glass Onion (2022): 91% Tomatometer / 92% Audience

Does the 140-minute runtime allow Johnson’s genius enough room to breathe? Early reviewers suggest yes, praising his balance of razor-sharp dialogue and labyrinthine plotting. When Blanc leans against a gnarled oak in a misty graveyard (a haunting promotional image), we glimpse the film’s atmospheric ambition.

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Even if the score dips below perfection, this debut cements the franchise as a critical titan. And with whispers of Knives Out 4 swirling, one question lingers: In a world of disposable sequels, has Johnson crafted the rare trilogy where each chapter outshines the last? The evidence, much like Blanc’s suspects, is compelling. 🎭🔍