How To Make A Killing is an absolute blast from beginning to end. Glen Powell shines in this twisted, dark comedy that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
I’ve always had a bit of a dark streak when it comes to my taste in movies. Give me a creative, over-the-top death scene, and I’m a happy camper – it’s the main reason Final Destination has remained one of my absolute favorite franchises. So, when I sat down to watch How To Make A Killing, I was looking for two things: a high body count and a reason to laugh. I’m happy to report that this movie delivered on both fronts, and then some.
The absolute heartbeat of this film is Glen Powell. We’ve seen him play the cool guy before, but here he gets to lean into a blue-collar desperation mixed with a calculated, comedic ruthlessness that is, simply put, infectious. Playing Becket Redfellow, a man disowned by his obscenely wealthy family and left to rot in the working class, Powell isn’t just a protagonist; he’s a force of nature.
What’s truly impressive is how he manages to walk the anti-hero tightrope. Becket is objectively doing terrible, irredeemable things. He is systematically dismantling his own bloodline in the pursuit of a paycheck, yet I found myself completely under his spell.
Glen Powell’s charisma is so potent that the audience basically becomes his accomplice. You aren’t just watching him get away with murder; you are actively rooting for him to do it. You want him to get that inheritance, and you want him to look good doing it. He looks like he’s having the time of his life, and that joy translates directly to the viewer.
As a fan of creative kills, I was constantly surprised by the ways Becket went after his relatives. The film doesn’t just rely on standard slasher tropes; it uses the environment of obscene wealth to facilitate some truly inspired sequences. It’s funny, gory, and sharp – a satire that isn’t afraid to get its hands very, very bloody. And I am so here for it.
While Glen Powell is the star, the supporting cast also brings their A-games, making their characters unforgettable. I loved seeing high-caliber actors pop up in smaller roles just to be disposed of in truly spectacular fashion. Topher Grace and Zach Woods are both captivating while on screen. They are also clearly having a good time, and they are a complete joy to watch.
Then, of course, there is Margaret Qualley. We already know she is great in everything she touches, and her presence here is no exception.
The dynamic between Glen Powell and Margaret Qualley is the biggest highlight for me. Without spoiling anything, their relationship did not go where I thought it was going – at all. I went in expecting a very specific trope, and the film zagged when I thought it would zig.
That subversion of expectations made the plot feel fresh rather than just another heist-gone-wrong or revenge flick.
If I have one complaint about How To Make A Killing – and it’s a minor one – it’s that I really wanted more screen time with Glen and Margaret together. Their chemistry is electric, and every time they shared the frame, I found myself absolutely giddy. However, I totally understand the creative choice to keep the spotlight firmly on Becket. The story is fundamentally about his obsession and his descent into his family’s cycle of greed.
Plus, once the twist ending hits, it all makes sense. The narrative focus needed to be tight on Becket to make that final payoff land with the impact it did. I left the theater with a huge smile on my face. It’s rare to find a movie that balances genuine laughs with genuine “did they actually just do that?” moments of violence so well.
Overall Thoughts On How To Make A Killing
How To Make A Killing is a total riot. It’s a movie that knows exactly what it is and doesn’t apologize for it. It’s a showcase for Glen Powell’s leading-man status and a treat for anyone who likes their humor a little bit on the morbid side.
If you’re looking for a good time that involves a bit of social commentary and a lot of creative ways to exit the mortal coil, this is a must-watch.
About How To Make A Killing
Disowned at birth by his obscenely wealthy family, blue-collar Becket Redfellow (Glen Powell) will stop at nothing to reclaim his inheritance, no matter how many relatives stand in his way.
How To Make A Killing comes to theaters on February 20th.