“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is the third installment of the “Knives Out” franchise. “Wake Up Dead Man” had a limited release in theaters before it arrives on Netflix on Dec. 12. Luckily, it was showing near me, but only for a short time. The first “Knives Out movie is a fun film that I continue to return to. The second movie, “Glass Onion”, took a dip in quality, but it was still okay. I think this third movie sits right between those two films, but it has a real chance to claim first place someday. The audience seems to agree, as it is the highest-rated “Knives Out” movie on Rotten Tomatoes at 94% as of Dec. 9. If, like me, you enjoyed the other “Knives Out” movies — or at least one of them — “Wake Up Dead Man” is a must-watch when it releases on Netflix.

“Wake Up Dead Man” follows a young priest named Father Jud Duplenticy, played by Josh O’Connor, who is assigned to a small town in New York as punishment after getting into a fight with a deacon. At Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude, Jud replaces Father Wicks, played by Josh Brolin. Father Jud and Father Wicks quickly begin to feud due to their conflicting views of the church and Father Wicks’ cult-like following. When someone dies and Father Jud is blamed by Father Wicks’ followers, Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, arrives to solve the mystery.

As always, the story in “Wake Up Dead Man” is strong. The mystery is genuinely intriguing and keeps the audience guessing the entire runtime. There is constant tension that builds up to several unexpected twists. The mystery is based on the “impossible murder” from the novel “The Hollow Man.” The movie carries a strong message about religion and the contrast between Father Jud’s compassionate faith and Father Wicks’ fear-based teachings. Through the hate and struggle he endures, Father Jud still holds onto his faith and compassion. His character becomes a beacon of truth for those around him. On top of that, the movie is funny as well.

The acting in this movie is also great and gives O’Connor space to shine. Unlike the other Knives Out movies where Craig takes the spotlight, here O’Connor does. The exposition is longer than in previous films, allowing O’Connor’s character time to develop without Craig stealing the stage. Because O’Connor gets so much focus, the side characters don’t feel as fleshed out as in the other movies. Josh Brolin gives a great performance, as always. I didn’t see him as Josh Brolin — I saw him as Father Wicks, the corrupt priest. The same goes for O’Connor: he truly felt like a young priest struggling with his past. The rest of the cast is strong, though I do have one complaint. Mila Kunis plays Police Chief Geraldine Scott, and she does not give a very compelling performance. Whenever she had major scenes, I felt myself slipping out of the world, but she was the only issue for me.

The film is visually stunning and probably the best of the three. The mood that Rian Johnson creates feels real. The movie is set in a Gothic-style church and the woods surrounding it, making the setting dark and moody. The cinematography is excellent, with interesting shots throughout. Because this is a mystery, there are so many details in the background that were important, and so many I definitely missed. The lighting is also incredible — something any film in this style needs to get right.

I honestly was not that excited to see this movie. I didn’t think they could surpass the first and planned to wait until it came out on Netflix. However, I am very glad that I went because I may have seen my favorite “Knives Out” movie of the three. I would give this movie an 8/10, though I could easily see that score going higher on a rewatch. If you’re looking for a good movie to watch this Christmas, I highly recommend “Wake Up Dead Man” when it comes out on Netflix on Dec. 12.