‘How to Make a Killing’ Lacks a Cut-Throat Thrill
I never get tired of seeing fellow Texans succeed, and that regard I have is multiplied exponentially for Glen Powell. Leading another film in How to Make a Killing, Powell plays Becket Redfellow, the unfortunate son of the pariah in the extravagantly wealthy Redfellow family. With his chances of inheriting the massive Redfellow estate at a highly improbable level, Becket resorts to systematically eliminating his kin to become a billionaire. How to Make a Killing may not be Powell’s best, but it’s still a great entry in his thriving acting career. Ready to learn more about what you can expect from this latest A24 film to arrive in theaters? Then sit back and let’s explore just what How to Make a Killing has in store for audiences.
[Warning: possible spoilers from How to Make a Killing are below!]
Fun but predictable premise for How to Make a Killing
It’s clearly in the name, but the lightbulb moment for Becket to decide that he’s going to kill off the family he’s never known is such a fun realization for him, and is presented via a recounting of the events to an astonished priest, Father Morris (Adrian Lukas). With hours left to his capital punishment being doled out, Becket runs the story all the way back from the beginning, enlightening Father Morris with how, why, when, and where he began “reclaiming” what is rightfully his. Since it’s a series of killings told in flashback, a few interruptions occur in which Father Morris offers opinionated input on Becket’s alleged actions, allowing Powell to dial the charm almost to 11, reducing his murders to almost a necessity.
Unfortunately, none of the murders are particularly exciting or unique (or even creative for that matter) in How to Make a Killing, but the first one is definitely sudden and accidental, and Becket’s lack of remorse is strong. After all, these spoiled, wealthy, and distant relatives have gotten away with more than enough over the decades. The first murder prompts Becket to realize he can actually get away with it, until his old childhood friend Julia (Margaret Qualley) steps back into his life, disillusioned by her husband’s financial failures in maintaining a healthy investment portfolio. Having attended a few funerals for his victims, Becket runs into his uncle Warren (Bill Camp), who propels him into a lucrative career in finance and prompts him to rethink his mission. After romancing Ruth (Jessica Henwick), there’s an internal shift within Becket to perhaps quit while he is ahead, now tasting success he’s never even brushed against.
Glen Powell is a stand-out, as usual
Seeing Glen Powell’s name attached to it is what got me in the door, and perhaps that’s the case for several other viewers. As his star power grows, audiences yearn to see this Texan talent continue to put his all into every role he takes on. Ed Harris as Whitelaw Redfellow, the patriarch of the family and the one who reduced Becket’s mother out of the lifestyle, is the only one able to match Powell on screen. Harris only pops up ever briefly, but makes a strong statement that is partially reminiscent of his role in Man On A Ledge.
Powell effortlessly walks the lines of a handsome-faced distant relative to a calculating and deceptive cousin killer. His romantic efforts also hit every single time, as his seduction of Ruth is not only easy but also a natural chemistry between them. Only when Julia appears does his presence seem diminished, as Julia only pops up in spurts to throw him off his game. Regardless of the strength, or lack of, in the script, Powell refuses to turn in anything short of excellence.
Final thoughts on How to Make a Killing
The title pun is clever, but at times it felt like they should have kept the original phrase. The murders aren’t the true drivers of the plot; it’s Becket’s interactions with his family and Ruth and Julia, who are the ones who truly challenge his ideas on the life he thinks he deserves. As stated earlier, the murders aren’t memorable and are too easily played off as accidents that the FBI investigates, but are able to be hand-waved away in the end. The final scene was entirely expected, which deflates all the film’s build-up. How to Make a Killing is still a fun vehicle, even if it’s just about seeing Powell for a couple of hours.
How to Make a Killing starring Glenn Powell is currently in theatres! To find theatres and times in your area, check out the film’s official page! Have you already checked out this film? Did you enjoy it? How does it compare to other A24 films? Let us know your thoughts on social media @bsb.insider!
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