Film Review: 'How to Make a Killing' Fails to Outshine Classic Inspiration
Glen Powell's latest cinematic venture, How to Make a Killing, aims to deliver a blend of delightful and slightly depraved fun, casting the charismatic actor as Becket Redfellow, a serial killer on a mission to eliminate family members and claim a billion-dollar inheritance. However, this dark comedy falls short of its potential, paling in comparison to its classic inspiration, the 1949 Ealing comedy Kind Hearts and Coronets.
A Competent but Bloodless Re-Spin
Directed by John Patton Ford and based on the same source material as Kind Hearts and Coronets—the 1907 novel Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal—the film presents a competent but ultimately bloodless re-spin of its central conceit. Becket, portrayed with leading-man magnetism by Powell, narrates his tale from death row to Father Morris (Adrian Lukis), detailing how he was driven to murder after being outcast by his wealthy family, led by a terrifying authoritarian grandfather played by Ed Harris.
The killings, described by Becket as 'pruning seven branches of the family tree', start with a sense of fun and anarchy. Early victims include his cousins, such as Raff Law's finance bro Taylor, whose death eases Becket into the murky waters of murder. Zach Woods as artist cousin Noah and Topher Grace as pastor cousin Steven provide the most entertaining moments due to their obnoxiousness and screentime. Yet, the film quickly loses steam, with key crimes feeling rushed and underwhelming, lacking the gory or climactic impact one might expect.
Underdeveloped Characters and Missed Opportunities
Powell's performance, while engaging, is not stretched to its full potential, and the film fails to properly exercise his comedy muscle. The relationship between Becket and his childhood crush Julia, played by Margaret Qualley, is frustratingly underdeveloped. Julia lurks on the edges of the story, occasionally appearing on the phone or breaking into his house, with her character reduced to a rudimentary plot device to sharpen Becket's desire for elite status. Qualley's portrayal is limited to being beautiful, slightly oddball, and barely available, missing the opportunity for twisted dynamics and a juicier relationship that could have added depth.
Supporting cast members, including Jessica Henwick, Bill Camp, and Nell Williams, contribute to the ensemble but do little to elevate the film beyond its shallow narrative. The runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes, with an age rating of 15, allows for some gentle laughs but lacks the mischief and eccentricity that made Kind Hearts and Coronets a timeless classic.
Comparison to Classics and Modern Takes
The film's attempt to offer a new take on the story seems doomed from the start, as it struggles to break away from its inspiration. Unlike Rian Johnson's successful riff on family-focused mysteries in Knives Out, How to Make a Killing fails to hone its dark humor or innovate. One key misstep is the decision to avoid having a single actor play multiple family members, a technique that Kind Hearts and Coronets used to great comedic effect with Alec Guinness portraying all eight D'Ascoyne family members.
Released in UK cinemas from March 11, 2026, following a US release on February 20, the film offers modest entertainment but is unlikely to leave a lasting impression. It serves as a reminder that some classics, like Kind Hearts and Coronets, remain unbeaten in their genre.
Verdict
For a comedy that stands the test of time and is truly worth your while, viewers are better off revisiting Kind Hearts and Coronets. How to Make a Killing provides a shallow and forgettable experience, failing to capture the essence of its source material or deliver the dark, humorous punch it promises.
