How To Make A Killing Movie Review (2026)

A darkly playful comedy about a man plotting his way through a wealthy family to claim the inheritance he believes is his, How to Make a Killing turns murder into an entertaining cat-and-mouse game, with a femme fatale watching his every move.

The first time I remember seeing Glen Powell in a film was as John Glenn in Hidden Figures in 2016. His poise indicated that he had a kind of sassy confidence (as both the character and the actor), and he stood out from the crowd. Ten years later, it’s incredible what his career has become. He is everywhere, as is Margaret Qualley, so it’s fitting that they’re in this film together.

How To Make A Killing is about Becket Redfellow, a man raised by a single mom who was cast out of her rich family for keeping her baby after a teen pregnancy. Becket is now on death row, talking to a priest about how his life unfolded to this point. After his mother tells him he will receive a large financial inheritance if the Redfellows in line before him die, he considers his next moves. His friend, Julia Steinway, who he met and bonded with as a child, keeps tabs on him and encourages him to fight for what is rightfully his.

I’ve heard some mixed reviews about this movie, but I thought it was very enjoyable. It’s a stylish and playful black comedy that never takes itself too seriously. It’s also a nice little commentary on classism and greed.

The entire film feels like a jazzy cat-and-mouse game, both between Becket and his relatives and between Becket and Julia. She is sexy and alluring, but he is never sure if he can trust her or what her motives are, so staying stealthy is of the utmost importance.

Glen Powell and Margaret Qualley have excellent chemistry in this film, and the mischievous way their characters interact is fun to watch.

There isn’t a ton of depth, but it doesn’t really matter. Morals are questionable, and the fast-paced way the story is told keeps it intriguing. And strangely, because Becket is the one telling the story, and he’s had a harder life, you relate to the social satire and want him to end up with the money.

With upbeat music that gives a polish to the entire saga, a morally ambiguous protagonist, and a story about the little guy scraping his way to the top, How To Make A Killing is an unusual tale of eating the rich. A great popcorn movie.

Runtime: 105 minutes

Motion Picture Rating: R

Languages Spoken In The Film: English

Should You Watch It? Yes

Did I Cry? Nope

My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Available: Free on Max and Hulu, to rent on Prime Video, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms