Glen Powell continues to solidify his status in Hollywood with a new role in the dark comedy-thriller, How to Make a Killing, which opens in theaters on February 20. Powell portrays Beckett, an estranged member of the wealthy Redfellow family, whose desperate situation in New York City leads him down a dangerous path to claim his inheritance.
Plot Centers on Beckett’s Deadly Quest for Wealth
Beckett, struggling with a low-paying job while living in New Jersey, is the last heir standing to a vast family fortune that only becomes his after all other relatives have died. Faced with the loss of his job and no immediate means of support, Beckett starts to entertain the idea of eliminating his familial competition. His adversaries include cousins Taylor, a finance professional played by Raff Law, Noah, an artist portrayed by Zach Woods, and Steven, a celebrity pastor brought to life by Topher Grace. Additional family members such as Uncle Warren (Bill Camp), Aunt Cassandra (Bianca Amato), and grandfather Whitelaw (Ed Harris) stand in his way.
Complex Relationships Add Depth to the Story
Adding layers to Beckett’s turmoil are his interactions with Julia, an old friend played by Margaret Qualley, who increasingly demands more from him, and Ruth, his new romantic interest portrayed by Jessica Henwick. Ruth complicates matters further by already being involved with Noah, intensifying the interpersonal conflicts amid the murderous stakes.
John Patton Ford’s Direction Balances Dark Humor with Suspense
Written and directed by John Patton Ford, known for Emily the Criminal, the film unfolds through Beckett’s narration to a prison chaplain. This storytelling approach plays with audience perceptions, delivering a mix of macabre humor and suspense. The movie taps into the current cultural trend of critiquing extreme wealth, reflecting broader societal resentment toward billionaires, which Ford emphasizes effectively throughout much of the film.
Performance Highlights and Challenges
Powell’s portrayal of Beckett is uneven, affected partly by the character’s inconsistent confidence and an unusual hairstyle that may distract from his narrative. Margaret Qualley’s exuberant acting style feels excessive in this context, whereas Jessica Henwick and Bill Camp provide grounded performances that maintain the story’s believability. The uneven engagement with the story’s darker and comedic moments limits the overall impact, as some key plot points, such as a series of planned killings, lack sufficient development or emotional weight.
Mixed Execution Undermines Potential
While the film generates several moments of dark humor and suspense, it struggles to maintain narrative momentum, particularly in the second half. Some of Beckett’s murderous plans receive less attention, diminishing their narrative payoff. Additionally, the significance of Beckett’s relationship with Julia remains unclear, with limited screen time failing to establish a strong emotional connection.
Anticipated Audience Response and Future Outlook
How to Make a Killing offers moderate entertainment for viewers interested in dark comedies and thrillers, though it falls short of becoming a standout film. The storyline’s partial engagement with social themes and the mixed performances, especially Powell’s, suggest the movie will appeal most to fans drawn to the “eat the rich” genre but may leave others wanting a more cohesive execution. As Powell continues to navigate varied roles, this project represents another step in his evolving career, though it may not fully showcase his range.
