I just walked out of the theater and my head is still buzzing. Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect from a movie called 'How to Make a Killing' - I thought it might be some violent revenge flick. But it's actually this darkly funny, tense drama about family and money. I'm sitting here with my lukewarm coffee thinking about how messed up rich families can be. That final shot of Glen Powell's face is still burned into my brain - it was equal parts triumphant and terrifying. The movie left me feeling oddly unsettled in a good way, like I'd witnessed something both hilarious and horrifying.
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What's How to Make a Killing About?
The movie follows Becket Redfellow, played by Glen Powell, who was disowned at birth by his ridiculously wealthy family. He's grown up blue-collar while watching his relatives live in obscene luxury, and he decides he's had enough. The plot kicks off when he decides to reclaim what he believes is his inheritance, no matter who he has to go through. It's less about literal killing and more about social and psychological warfare within a dysfunctional dynasty.
What Works in How to Make a Killing
- ✓ Glen Powell's performance is career-best material - he balances charm and menace in a way I've never seen from him before.
- ✓ The dark humor actually lands - there's a scene with a family dinner that had me laughing uncomfortably in my seat.
- ✓ Margaret Qualley and Jessica Henwick have fantastic chemistry as two very different sisters caught in the crossfire.
- ✓ The pacing is tight - at 105 minutes, it never drags and keeps the tension ratcheted up throughout.
What Doesn't Work
- ✗ Some plot twists feel a bit too convenient, especially in the third act when everything comes together.
- ✗ Ed Harris is underused - he's such a powerhouse actor but his character feels like it needed more screen time.
- ✗ The movie occasionally wobbles between tones, not always smoothly transitioning from comedy to thriller.
Standout Moments & Performances
There's a confrontation in a modern art gallery that absolutely floored me. Without spoiling anything, it involves a very expensive piece of art and some brutally honest family truths. The tension in that room was so thick you could feel it in the theater. Another moment that stuck with me was a simple breakfast scene between Becket and his mother figure, played by Bill Camp. The quiet sadness in that ordinary moment contrasted so sharply with the opulent cruelty of the main family. It made my heart ache in a way I didn't expect from this type of movie.
Main Cast: Glen Powell, Margaret Qualley, Jessica Henwick, Ed Harris, Bill Camp
Direction, Music & Visuals
Director John Patton Ford has a really sharp eye for framing wealth and poverty side by side. There's this incredible shot where the camera moves from a gold-plated bathroom to a cramped apartment kitchen that tells you everything about the class divide. The score is subtle but effective - mostly piano and strings that amplify the tension without being manipulative. Cinematography uses a lot of cool blues for the wealthy spaces and warmer tones for Becket's world, which creates this visual language of 'cold money' versus 'warm humanity.' The performances across the board are strong, but Powell really carries the movie on his shoulders.
Director: John Patton Ford
Genres: Comedy, Thriller, Drama
Who Should Watch How to Make a Killing?
If you like dark comedies about dysfunctional families with some thriller elements mixed in, this is for you. Fans of 'Succession' or 'Knives Out' will find a lot to enjoy here - it's that blend of wealthy family drama with sharp social commentary. Also, if you appreciate character-driven stories where the protagonist is morally ambiguous, you'll be fascinated by Becket's journey.
Who Might Want to Skip?
If you're looking for a straightforward comedy or a pure action thriller, you might be disappointed. The movie requires you to sit with some uncomfortable moral questions, and the humor is definitely on the darker side. Also, if you prefer clear-cut heroes and villains, the gray morality here might frustrate you.
Final Verdict
I'd definitely recommend 'How to Make a Killing,' especially if you can catch it in theaters. The collective reactions to the dark humor and tense moments really enhance the experience. It's not a perfect film - some plot points are a bit too neat - but it's smart, well-acted, and stays with you. Would I watch it again? Probably, if only to catch some of the subtle family dynamics I might have missed the first time. It's the kind of movie that sparks good conversations afterward.
