How to Make a Killing (review)

Published by Mason Oldridge, 17 April 2026

Glen Powell leads on this black comedy thriller.

Becket Redfellow is born into a wealthy family, but shunned for being born out of wedlock; however, he is still named on the inheritance. Living an underprivileged life, he follows his mother’s dying wish of achieving the life he deserves and sets about killing off his relatives one by one.

This simple plot is a perfect example of utilising the dark comedy genre as each hit plays out in such an entertaining way, aided by Becket’s attitude towards the killings and how most of the family are entitled. The deaths are all the more comical as they are all followed up by a hilarious cut to their funeral at the family plot. Furthermore, Becket grows close to his uncle and so it feels fitting that he dies naturally instead, with Becket at his bedside. Additionally, the final killing is a thrilling battle between him and his grandfather who rejected him at conception.

The film would have succeeded on this premise alone, but it is elevated by the twist as Becket’s childhood friend Julia blackmails him with evidence of his crimes and then frames him for the murder of her husband Lyle, who committed suicide, outlining the irony that he has gotten away with murders he did commit but imprisoned for a murder he did not commit.

The ending excels in its unpredictability as he slowly realises that he is running out of time while talking to the priest, learns that Julia has the suicide note that could free him, signs over the estate to her and she releases the note in the nick of time. However, as Becket’s partner Ruth rejects him, the film ends in a somber mood as he reluctantly heads to the estate with Julia, having gotten away with murder but lost all he worked to gain.

The film is no doubt strengthened by Powell, who delivers a standout charming performance as always, carrying that kickass likability akin to Walter White and Joe Goldberg.

Simply put, How to Make a Killing is a truly enjoyable watch.

9/10