What is the Knives Out trilogy?

The Knives Out trilogy refers to a series of detective mystery films directed by Rian Johnson, with the third installment, Wake Up Dead Man, kicking off the 69th BFI London Film Festival.

Who is Kristy Matheson?

Kristy Matheson is the BFI Festivals Director, responsible for curating the diverse lineup of the 69th London Film Festival, which features both high-profile and lesser-known titles from filmmakers pushing the boundaries of cinema.

What are some of the notable films at the 2025 LFF?

The lineup includes Yorgos Lanthimos's Bugonia, Chloé Zhao's Hamnet, the debut feature Pillion, and the world premiere of Moss & Freud, a dramatized account of supermodel Kate Moss sitting for artist Lucian Freud.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Rian Johnson's Knives Out Trilogy Kicks Off 69th London Film Festival

Rian Johnson's Knives Out Trilogy Kicks Off 69th London Film Festival

8 Oct

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Summary

Rian Johnson's third Knives Out film, Wake Up Dead Man, opens the 69th BFI London Film Festival
Festival lineup features diverse filmmakers and styles, including debut and lesser-known titles
BFI Festivals Director Kristy Matheson aims to showcase filmmakers "moving the art form in a different or new direction"

Rian Johnson's Knives Out Trilogy Kicks Off 69th London Film Festival

The 69th BFI London Film Festival is set to begin tonight, with Rian Johnson's third installment in the Knives Out franchise, Wake Up Dead Man, opening the event at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall. Johnson is a familiar face at the festival, having previously screened his two earlier Knives Out films as galas.

However, the wider lineup for this year's LFF, curated by BFI Festivals Director Kristy Matheson, is anything but predictable. Matheson and her programming team have embraced a diverse array of filmmakers and filmmaking styles, with the headline gala screenings featuring both high-profile titles like Yorgos Lanthimos's Bugonia and Chloé Zhao's Hamnet, as well as the debut feature Pillion from the relatively unknown British filmmaker Harry Lighton.