Knives Out 3: Every Actor’s Performance Ranked

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the latest entry in Rian Johnson’s celebrated detective series, brings together a striking ensemble led by Daniel Craig’s return as Benoit Blanc. This time, the film boasts a cast including Josh Brolin, Andrew Scott, Jeremy Renner, Cailee Spaeny, and several others, each contributing their own flair to the intricate plot. With such a crowded line-up, it’s only natural to wonder who truly stands out in terms of screen presence and acting prowess.

Background Players and Missed Opportunities

Thomas Haden Church’s portrayal of Samson Holt is marked by a quiet, almost spectral presence. He’s often glimpsed in the background, tending to the grounds or lurking at the edge of the action. While he delivers a memorable late-night confrontation with Blanc, his role is largely understated, serving as a classic red herring. The character’s stoicism means he’s left out of the more heated exchanges, and as a result, his performance doesn’t quite reach the heights of his co-stars.

Kerry Washington steps into the shoes of Vera Draven, a tightly wound solicitor with limited time on screen. She shines in a single, intense row with her stepson, offering a glimpse of her range. However, many early reviews noted that Washington’s talents were underused, leaving viewers wanting more from her character.

Scene-Stealers and Subtle Turns

Mila Kunis brings a dose of star power as Chief Geraldine Scott, the local police chief. Her sceptical rapport with Blanc provides some of the film’s sharpest comedic moments, particularly a wry “Scooby-Doo” quip. Yet, some felt her brisk, modern delivery clashed with the film’s gothic atmosphere, making her casting a point of debate among fans.

Cailee Spaeny, as Simone Vivane, offers a more vulnerable performance. Confined to a wheelchair, her character becomes central to a key set piece, though she’s somewhat overshadowed by the larger ensemble. Despite a powerful emotional scene, Spaeny’s presence fades as the story progresses.

Andrew Scott, known for his electric turn as Moriarty, plays a washed-up science fiction writer here. His character is a satirical nod to online outrage and self-importance, delivering some of the film’s most biting lines. Still, many felt Scott’s abilities were not fully tapped, as his role was pushed aside in favour of other storylines.

Central Figures and Standout Performances

Jeremy Renner appears as a troubled, alcoholic doctor, offering a subdued performance that stands in stark contrast to his more action-oriented roles. His most affecting moment comes in a silent exchange in the morgue, a scene that lingers for its quiet intensity. Renner’s character is intentionally written to be reserved, which limits his opportunities for dramatic fireworks.

Josh Brolin, despite limited screen time, commands attention as Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, the ill-fated victim. His sermons are both magnetic and unsettling, painting him as a figure audiences love to suspect. Since his character meets an early demise, Brolin is mostly seen in flashbacks, leaving some viewers wishing for more direct interaction with the rest of the cast.

Glenn Close delivers a memorable turn as Martha Delacroix, the church’s devoted assistant. Her performance builds gradually, culminating in a frantic confession that is both darkly comic and deeply moving. She is one of the few who can match Craig’s presence, though her character’s impact is felt more strongly in the latter half of the film.

The Leading Duo

Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc remains the franchise’s anchor, though his approach here is more restrained than in previous outings. He doesn’t appear until the end of the first act, but once on screen, he forms a compelling partnership with Josh O’Connor’s Father Jud Duplenticy. Their discussions on faith and logic provide the film’s emotional core, with Craig offering a more serious, contemplative take on the detective.

Josh O’Connor emerges as the film’s true standout. With the most screen time after Blanc, O’Connor’s Father Jud is the audience’s guide through the first half of the story. His performance, shifting from panic to quiet reflection, has been widely praised as a career highlight. The dynamic between O’Connor and Craig, balancing good cop/bad cop energy, gives the narrative its momentum and heart.

“Critics and fans agree that Josh O’Connor delivered a ‘career-best’ performance as the former boxer-turned-priest. His ability to switch from a frantic panic to quiet, soulful prayer is simply breathtaking.”

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is directed by Rian Johnson and features a cast including Daniel Craig, Cailee Spaeny, and Andrew Scott. The film was released on 26 November 2025, with an IMDb rating of 7.7/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 92%. Produced by T-Street Productions, it is available to stream on Netflix.