Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is a 2025 American mystery whodunit. It’s written and directed by Rian Johnson.
The ensemble includes Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, and Thomas Haden Church.
Benoit Blanc faces his darkest, most gothic-toned case yet, teased by Netflix ahead of a limited theatrical run and Netflix release. The film premieres in select theaters on November 26, 2025, then streams on Netflix on December 12, 2025.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Age Rating
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for violent content, bloody images, strong language, some crude sexual material, and smoking.
Violence & Peril
Expect moderate, sometimes intense violence and aftermath. The trailer frames a shocking church-set crime, with glimpses of blood. Tension builds through interrogations, threats, and close calls, but gore is not the focus. The tone skews darker than prior Knives Out entries.
Language
Frequent strong language appears, including harsher profanities in heated moments. The MPA cites “strong language,” which parents will hear across arguments and interrogation scenes.
Mature Themes
Themes include murder, deceit, and moral conflict within religious settings. Brief crude sexual humor or suggestive remarks are possible. Smoking is depicted by some adult characters. These elements align with the PG-13 reasons.
Is Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The church-set killing, bloody images, and strong language are too intense. The darker tone may disturb younger viewers.
Ages 13–15: With Guidance. Teens who enjoy mysteries can handle it, but expect spikes of peril, grim atmosphere, and mature talk. Discuss the religious context and ethics afterward.
Ages 16–17: Yes. Content remains within PG-13 boundaries, though it’s the series’s moodiest entry. Most older teens familiar with Knives Out should be fine.
Final recommendation: Best for 13+ with guidance, ideal for 16+.
What Parents Can Do
Prep for tone: Explain that this chapter is darker and more somber than the first two films. Set expectations for a church-related crime and moral themes.
Discuss portrayal of faith: If religion is part of your family life, talk about fiction vs. reality and why thrillers use sacred spaces for dramatic stakes.
Debrief language and jokes: Address strong words and any crude innuendo so teens can separate character behavior from acceptable norms.
Official Trailer
FAQs
1) What is the official age rating for Wake Up Dead Man?
It’s rated PG-13 for violent content, bloody images, strong language, some crude sexual material, and smoking.
2) Is it appropriate for kids or younger teens?
Not for kids. For 13–15 it’s okay with guidance due to darker tone and language.
3) How violent or scary is it?
Violence is moderate with some bloody images. The mood is tense and more gothic than in earlier films.
4) Does it include swear words or slurs?
Yes, expect frequent strong language as noted by the MPA. No slurs are highlighted in official materials.
5) Any sexual content or nudity?
No nudity is indicated; however, brief crude sexual material or innuendo may occur per the rating reason.
6) Where can I watch it and when?
In select theaters November 26, 2025; streaming on Netflix December 12, 2025.