Overview
How to Make a Killing is a crime‑comedy thriller written and directed by John Patton Ford, the filmmaker behind the acclaimed Emily the Criminal. The film stars Glen Powell as Becket Redfellow, a charismatic heir who discovers that his family fortune is contingent on eliminating the relatives ahead of him in the line of succession. Margaret Qualley co‑stars as a sharp‑tuned accomplice who both aids and complicates Becket’s scheme. The movie premiered in 2024 and has been marketed with the tagline “Murder is in the heir.”
Plot Summary
The narrative opens with Becket learning that his wealthy grandfather has left the entire estate to the last surviving descendant. A quick family tree reveals three older cousins, each with their own motives and secrets. Rather than contest the will in court, Becket devises a series of “accidents” designed to look natural, enlisting the help of a resourceful fixer played by Qualley. As the body count rises, the plan unravels: police scrutiny intensifies, the cousins begin to suspect one another, and Becket’s own moral compass wavers. The climax converges on a high‑stakes confrontation at the family manor, where loyalties shift and the true cost of the inheritance is revealed.
Cast and Performances
Glen Powell delivers a performance that balances charm with a growing sense of desperation. His comedic timing, honed in previous roles, serves the film’s lighter moments while his dramatic beats convey the weight of each calculated murder. Margaret Qualley matches him with a layered portrayal; she oscillates between pragmatic partner and reluctant conscience, giving the audience a foothold in the moral ambiguity. Supporting actors—particularly the three cousins—are given enough screen time to establish distinct personalities, preventing them from feeling like mere plot devices.
Direction and Writing
John Patton Ford’s direction leans into
