Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
The 69th London Film Festival opened on Wednesday, 9 October 2025, with the world premiere of “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”, the third film in the popular detective series starring Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc. The festival will run for 12 days, featuring red carpet events, film screenings, and talks with famous filmmakers and actors, including Daniel Day-Lewis, Chloe Zhao, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Paul Mescal.
The London Film Festival is known for celebrating diverse cinema from around the world. In 2025, it will showcase 247 films, including works by female and nonbinary filmmakers, making up 42 percent of the schedule.
Daniel Craig and the Third ‘Knives Out’ Film
Daniel Craig returned as the clever detective Benoit Blanc for the third time in “Wake Up Dead Man”, which has a darker, gothic tone compared to the earlier films, Knives Out (2019) and Glass Onion (2022).
Craig appeared on the red carpet with co-stars Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Josh O’Connor, Jeremy Renner, Daryl McCormack, and Cailee Spaeny. He explained that each movie in the series is designed to stand alone, with its own style and flavor.
“I wouldn’t do it unless I had fun doing it,” Craig told reporters. The film’s plot revolves around the murder of Monsignor Wicks, a small-town priest played by Josh Brolin, with suspicion falling on one of his parishioners.
Insights from Writer-Director Rian Johnson
Writer and director Rian Johnson, who directed all three Knives Out movies, said he started planning “Wake Up Dead Man” right after Glass Onion premiered. He wanted to explore a story that felt more grounded while remaining entertaining and funny.
Johnson said, “Hopefully it’s still funny, hopefully it’s still entertaining and a really fun ride for audiences.” His collaboration with Craig continues to bring mystery, humor, and suspense to the franchise.
Other Highlights of the Festival
The London Film Festival is not just about Knives Out. The 2025 lineup includes a wide variety of films from around the world:
Jay Kelly’s “After the Hunt” and Paul Mescal’s “Hamnet” adaptation by Chloe Zhao.
Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein”, showcasing his unique vision.
Emma Stone’s “Bugonia”, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.
“Anemone”, marking Daniel Day-Lewis’s return from retirement for his son’s directorial debut.
Several of these filmmakers, including Day-Lewis, Lanthimos, and Zhao, will participate in panel discussions about their films, giving audiences insights into their creative process.
Focus on Diversity and Global Cinema
Festival Director Kristy Matheson emphasized the importance of diversity and representation:
The festival features films from many countries, reflecting geographic and cultural variety.
Organizers prioritize films that show different perspectives and stories from around the world.
Female and nonbinary filmmakers have a strong presence, making up nearly half of the schedule.
Matheson said, “We really want the programme to reflect the city that we’re in and the world around us.”
Why the Festival Matters
The London Film Festival is an important event for both filmmakers and audiences. It:
Provides a platform for new and established talent.
Celebrates diverse voices in cinema.
Attracts international stars, boosting the city’s cultural and tourism profile.
Encourages dialogue about film, storytelling, and society through panels and Q&A sessions.
For fans of mystery, drama, or international cinema, the festival is a chance to see exciting new films and meet the people behind them.
English
