In an age of widening class divides, revenge fantasies against the ultra-wealthy have become a cinematic staple—and How to Make a Killing delivers one of the most stylish, audacious takes yet. From writer-director John Patton Ford (Emily the Criminal) comes this sleek, blackly comic thriller that blends biting social commentary with inventive suspense. Loosely inspired by the 1949 classic Kind Hearts and Coronets, the film reimagines aristocratic scheming for a modern era of privilege, isolation, and quiet rage.
Story
Becket Redfellow (Glen Powell) is a man adrift—trapped in a monotonous job, estranged from a powerful family he never knew, and burdened by a past defined by rejection. As the illegitimate son of the Redfellow dynasty’s matriarch, Becket was cast aside at birth, left to fend for himself after the deaths of both parents. But when a chance reunion with his former crush, Julia Steinway (Margaret Qualley), reignites memories of the fortune he was denied, Becket begins a calculated campaign to eliminate the relatives blocking his inheritance.
What follows is a chillingly clever series of orchestrated deaths, each tailored to expose the arrogance and moral rot of the Redfellow elite. While Becket’s motives aren’t noble, they’re undeniably cathartic—his ascent is fueled by years of systemic exclusion. Yet as his body count rises, so does the emotional toll, especially as he forms a tentative bond with Ruth (Jessica Henwick), a character whose warmth brings unexpected depth to the chaos.
Performances
Glen Powell commands the screen with a performance that balances charm, vulnerability, and simmering rage. He makes Becket’s descent into violence both alarming and relatable—an antihero shaped by betrayal. Margaret Qualley is magnetic as the cunning Julia, exuding femme fatale energy with every calculated move. Jessica Henwick brings heart to the film, offering a moral counterweight that grounds the narrative.
The supporting cast excels in their detestable roles: Topher Grace chews scenery as the corrupt Pastor Steven J. Redfellow, while Zach Woods adds dark humor as the blissfully unaware artist Noah. Every Redfellow feels uniquely insufferable—making their fates darkly satisfying.
Behind the Lens
John Patton Ford crafts a tightly wound script that merges satire with thriller mechanics. The cinematography is crisp, the pacing deliberate, and the score subtly unnerving—every element heightens the film’s sharp tonal contrast. While some tonal hiccups surface—moments where humor strains against gravity—the overall execution remains bold and confident. A24’s signature craftsmanship elevates the material into something both provocative and entertaining.
Final Verdict
How to Make a Killing is a smart, stylish, and unapologetically twisted dark comedy. It doesn’t always nail its tonal balance, but it delivers a gripping narrative, stellar performances, and a message that resonates in today’s world of wealth disparity. With Glen Powell in top form, this is one of 2026’s most compelling thrillers.
How to Make a Killing is now showing in theaters.
