Glen Powell Shines in Dark Thriller How to Make a Killing

Hollywood Celebrities
Roland Hannah
Glen Powell stars as Becket in How to Make a Killing. [Image Source: USMAGAZINE]

How to Make a Killing, a dark comedy thriller featuring Glen Powell, has begun to receive its first critical reactions. The A24 film tells the story of Becket Redfellow, played by Powell, a man determined to reclaim his family’s inheritance through drastic means after being disowned at birth. This thriller uses Powell’s character to explore themes of revenge and social class transformation.

Cast and Plot Overview Highlight a Twisted Tale of Revenge

In How to Make a Killing, Becket Redfellow is portrayed as a man from a wealthy family who, abandoned and raised in a blue-collar environment, plots to eliminate the relatives blocking his claim to the family fortune. Alongside Glen Powell, the film stars Margaret Qualley as Julia Steinway, Becket’s childhood friend, Jessica Henwick, Ed Harris, Bill Camp, Zach Woods, and Topher Grace, who takes on the role of Pastor Steven J. Redfellow. The film’s complex characters navigate a darkly comedic and violent storyline driven by greed and ambition.

Critics Highlight Exciting Performances and Dark Humor

The movie has garnered generally positive reviews, particularly for Glen Powell’s performance. Rachel Leishman called the film

“a thrilling and exciting dark comedy”

that

“reminds me of American Psycho, so utter perfection.”

She also praised Powell’s portrayal, saying he is

“charming, twisted, and an addicting character to embark on this journey with,”

and applauded Margaret Qualley’s “slightly deranged energy” as Julia Steinway.

Tessa Smith echoed this sentiment, noting the “electric” chemistry between Powell and Qualley. She remarked,

Glen Powell
Image of: Glen Powell

“The kills are bonkers & I somehow found myself rooting for”

Becket, while also hinting at a surprising conclusion. Jairo Jiménez described the film as “a biting, addictive satire,” highlighting Powell’s

“astonishingly twisted & magnetic charisma — this is one of his best performances yet — w/ explosive chemistry alongside an incredible Margaret Qualley.”

Mixed Views Focus on Storytelling and Style

Not all reactions were wholly positive. Adriano Caporusso described How to Make a Killing as

“a simple, sloppy, but notably fun crime caper, with Glen Powell’s charm elevating often underwritten material into something more engaging.”

Matt Neglia offered a similar assessment, noting that the film

“has its fun moments and moves at a confident, smooth pace, but that slickness also skirts past some of the more intriguing aspects of the story.”

These critiques acknowledge the film’s entertainment value, even if some story elements lack depth.

Director John Patton Ford’s Vision and Release Plans

John Patton Ford directs and writes How to Make a Killing. His previous work includes the Aubrey Plaza crime thriller Emily the Criminal (2022) and the 2010 short Patrol. The film, originally titled Huntington, is scheduled for release in U.S. theaters on February 20. Ford’s style often combines crime and intense character studies, which reflects in this latest project’s tone and narrative.

Glen Powell’s Career Momentum and Market Positioning

This marks Glen Powell’s first movie following Edgar Wright’s 2025 remake of The Running Man, which met mixed reviews and modest box office results. How to Make a Killing offers Powell a chance to build on his earlier successes in films such as Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone but You, and Twisters. Though it is not a major studio blockbuster, the film aims to attract attention through its dark comedic tone and standout performances.

Competitive Landscape for the Film’s Release

How to Make a Killing will debut without facing heavy competition on its opening weekend but will soon contend with several high-profile releases during Valentine’s Day weekend. Among these are Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, Crime 101 featuring Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo, the animated movie Goat, Sam Rockwell’s Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, and Liam Neeson’s Cold Storage. The film’s position suggests it benefits from a less crowded initial launch while preparing to compete with these titles thereafter.

Principal Cast and Their Roles

The principal cast features Glen Powell as Becket Redfellow, whose quest for vengeance forms the story’s core. Margaret Qualley plays Julia Steinway, a childhood friend entangled in Becket’s plans. Jessica Henwick portrays Ruth, while Topher Grace takes on the role of Pastor Steven J. Redfellow. This ensemble shapes the film’s intricate exploration of familial conflict and dark ambition.

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Roland Hannah
Roland Hannah