---
title: "How to Make a Killing"
year: 2026
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/how-to-make-a-killing"
fi1m_id: "how-to-make-a-killing"
imdb_id: "tt4357198"
tmdb_id: 467905
wikidata_id: "Q126488898"
fi1m_score: 55
critics_score: 48
critics_reviews: 10
published: "2026-09-09"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:37:44.410275+00:00"
region: "US"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# How to Make a Killing (2026)

Directed by John Patton Ford · 1h 45m · MPA R · Comedy, Thriller

## Identity

How to Make a Killing

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/how-to-make-a-killing
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** how-to-make-a-killing
- **IMDb ID:** tt4357198
- **TMDB ID:** 467905
- **Wikidata ID:** Q126488898
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4357198/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/467905, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q126488898

**Fi1m score: 55** · Critics 48 from 10 reviews

*In a sentence:* Seven relatives, twenty-eight billion dollars, and not one murder we would remember by the car park

> John Patton Ford moves *Kind Hearts and Coronets* to modern New York and keeps the plot, the pace and the body count while losing the chill. Powell and Qualley make it a pleasant evening; a film about killing seven people should be more than pleasant.

## Synopsis

Becket Redfellow (Glen Powell) has been cut out of the family fortune, which runs to twenty-eight billion dollars. Seven relatives stand between him and the money, and he sets about reducing the number, one at a time, in present-day New York. Julia (Margaret Qualley) has schemes of her own; Jessica Henwick is Ruth. Bill Camp, Ed Harris, Zach Woods, Topher Grace, Raff Law, Nell Williams and Alexander Hanson are the Redfellows in his way, and Adrian Lukis plays Father Morris. John Patton Ford writes and directs, reworking the 1949 Ealing comedy *Kind Hearts and Coronets* for a new city and a new century. It runs 105 minutes and carries a 15 certificate.

## Review

John Patton Ford has taken [*Kind Hearts and Coronets*](https://film.one/film/kind-hearts-and-coronets), Robert Hamer’s 1949 Ealing comedy in which a disinherited young man murders his way up the family tree, and moved it to present-day New York. Becket Redfellow (Glen Powell) has been cut out of a fortune the film puts at twenty-eight billion dollars, and seven relatives stand between him and it. He sets about reducing the number. The idea still works: the rich are as easy to dislike now as they were in 1949, and a handsome man killing them one at a time is still a good joke. Ford wrote the script as well as directing it, and the script is where the trouble is.

It is a watchable film. Powell is easy company, Margaret Qualley is better than that, and at 105 minutes it does not hang about. We were never bored. We were also never once worried, and for a comedy about a man killing seven people that is a strange thing to have to report.

Powell plays Becket as a man who decided some time ago not to be flustered by anything. He is calm, well dressed and faintly bored, which is a reasonable way to play the part but leaves him nowhere to go. Dennis Price, in the original, let you see how much he was enjoying himself. Powell keeps the enjoyment private. He plans, he arranges, he waits, and we watched him do all of it with interest and no fear of him whatsoever.

Qualley is the reason the middle of the film has a pulse. She plays Julia as a schemer who has worked Becket out before he has finished his first sentence, and she lets us see her relishing it in a way he never does. We laughed properly twice, both times at her, and both times at a look rather than a line. Jessica Henwick’s Ruth is written thinner, and Henwick does what she can with the space she is given.

The relatives are played by good actors who get a scene or two each. Bill Camp, Ed Harris, Zach Woods and Topher Grace are all Redfellows, and none of them is on screen long enough to be missed when they go. Alec Guinness played eight of the family in 1949, and half the joke was watching the same face come back to be killed again. Ford has cast seven faces instead, which is the more expensive choice and the less funny one. Harrison Atkins cuts the killings quick and clean and keeps the whole picture moving at a clip; the cost is that nothing goes wrong for long enough to frighten anybody.

Todd Banhazl shoots the money the way money likes to be shot, in clean light through tall windows, and Christian Huband’s rooms are the kind in which nobody has ever left a mug on a table. Jo Katsaras dresses the family in clothes that cost more than they look. It is all handsome, and a week later we could not describe a single room. Emile Mosseri’s score is light and pleasant and keeps telling us not to worry, which is the last thing this film should be telling us.

Ford’s first film, *Emily the Criminal* from 2022, was small, quick and mean, and it understood that a thriller needs somebody in it to be in trouble. Here nobody is. The film rarely lets Becket come close to being caught, the family are never close to clever, and the satire, which Ford plainly cares about, comes down to the news that rich people are unpleasant. We had heard.

Most critics have been a little harder on it than we are, and we see why; the Ealing film is a high bar and this one does not stretch for it. On its own terms it is a pleasant hundred minutes with two attractive people and some expensive rooms. If you do watch it, watch it at home with someone who has not seen the original, and afterwards show them the original.

*Fi1m score 55, published 9 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics find How to Make a Killing a pale copy of Kind Hearts and Coronets, the Ealing film it reworks. The word that recurs is bite: the class satire is called blunt, toothless or shallow, the murders throwaway, the script underwritten. What praise there is clusters on the cast. Glen Powell is generally judged charismatic and well cast, though several reviews think him too reserved or too bland for a man killing his relatives, and Margaret Qualley’s scheming turn is singled out more than once, with The Hollywood Reporter saying she almost makes the film worthwhile.

The Financial Times objects that the remake drops the original’s multi-role casting. The spread is fairly wide, from two-star dismissals to a scattering of firm defences: Slant calls it a shrewd retooling with old-school flair, and The Wrap and /Film read it as a sharp take on American wealth. The dissenters are outnumbered, and the mixed reviews settle on serviceable.

## Straight answers

**Is How to Make a Killing worth watching?**

*How to Make a Killing* is worth a mild evening rather than a recommendation, and we scored it 55. Glen Powell and Margaret Qualley are pleasant company and the film runs a brisk 105 minutes, but a comedy about a man murdering seven relatives should worry us at least once, and this one never does. Qualley is the best reason to stay.

**How long is How to Make a Killing, and what is it rated?**

*How to Make a Killing* runs 1h 45m and is rated R by the MPA in the US. It is a comedy and thriller film.

**Where can I watch How to Make a Killing in the US?**

*How to Make a Killing* is streaming on HBO Max, Hulu, The Roku Channel and Amazon Prime Video in the US, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video from $7.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is How to Make a Killing, and is it suitable for children?**

*How to Make a Killing* is a 15 in the UK and R-rated in the US, so it is not for children. Seven relatives are killed, but the murders are cut quick and clean, nothing is dwelt on, and the film is closer to a light comedy than a thriller. Teenagers of the certificate age and squeamish adults should manage it without trouble.

**How does How to Make a Killing compare to Kind Hearts and Coronets?**

*How to Make a Killing* keeps the plot and the body count of [*Kind Hearts and Coronets*](https://film.one/film/kind-hearts-and-coronets) and loses its chill; the 1949 original is the colder, funnier and better film. Alec Guinness plays eight of the family in Hamer's version, and half the joke is watching the same face return to be killed again, a joke the remake gives up by casting seven actors. See the original first, or instead.

**What should I watch after How to Make a Killing?**

After *How to Make a Killing*, try [*Kind Hearts and Coronets*](https://film.one/film/kind-hearts-and-coronets) (1949, Fi1m 91): The original: colder, funnier, and Alec Guinness dies eight times for your pleasure. Then [*Monsieur Verdoux*](https://film.one/film/monsieur-verdoux) (1947, Fi1m 82): Chaplin as a courteous murderer of wealthy widows; the charm is the indictment; and [*The Talented Mr. Ripley*](https://film.one/film/the-talented-mr-ripley) (1999, Fi1m 80): A handsome man wants someone else’s life and pays for it in sweat.

### Reviews we read (22)

- **Empire**, Lou Thomas (65/100, inferred): The megawatt charisma of Powell and Qualley, dry humour and brisk pacing keep the story entertaining as the protagonist dispatches his relatives. It remains only decent rather than outstanding, lacking the uniqueness of the Ealing original it reimagines. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/how-to-make-a-killing/)
- **Radio Times**, Max Copeman (3/5): The eat-the-rich thriller is a serviceable if unspectacular addition that feels more like a distant relative than an heir to Kind Hearts and Coronets. The critic singles out Powell’s charismatic presence and the strong comedic passages from supporting cast. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-gk5g45/how-to-make-a-killing/)
- **Little White Lies**, Hannah Strong (2/2/2): It is a lacklustre satire about a disinherited rich kid scheming against his family. The critic singles out the absence of bite in the social satire and calls for an end to eat-the-rich films. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/how-to-make-a-killing)
- **RogerEbert.com**, Richard Roeper (40/100, inferred): The critic praises the choice of source material but finds the film uninvolving overall. The cast is strong but the execution lacks the bite and social commentary of similar dark comedies. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/how-to-make-a-killing-glen-powell-film-review-2026)
- **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (40/100, inferred): The remake lacks the bite and crackle of its Ealing inspiration and the class satire is blunt. The critic singles out the throwaway murders and lack of procedural tension or twists. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/how-to-make-a-killing-review-2026)
- **Screen Daily** (30/100, inferred): The wan thriller/dark comedy offers little payoff despite star power. The critic singles out the glib, underwritten script and lack of buzz or commercial prospects. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/how-to-make-a-killing-review-glen-powell-is-out-for-murder-in-glib-underwritten-crime-dud/5214042.article)
- **The Independent** (30/100, inferred): The film is a conventional but uninspired remake of Kind Hearts and Coronets that fails to capture the original's charm or moral edge. Glen Powell's lead performance is too reserved and the story ends up feeling like a watered-down sentimental comedy despite the murders. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/how-to-make-a-killing-review-glen-powell-b2935373.html)
- **Financial Times**, Danny Leigh (★★☆☆☆): This botched update of Kind Hearts and Coronets sees Glen Powell attempt to slay his way to fortune in a story loosely based on the classic, but it ignores key strengths like the multi-role casting and feels redundant. [Read](https://www.ft.com/content/c073bbed-2481-4c55-8833-cf85676064f6)
- **IndieWire**, Kate Erbland: The critic calls it a limp kill-the-rich satire hobbled by an oddly dull script and a tone that matches it. The loose adaptation of Kind Hearts and Coronets fails to deliver bite or sharpness despite its star-packed cast. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/how-to-make-a-killing-review-glen-powell-1235179909/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Amy Nicholson: The morally bleak comedy delivers a strong opening and clever twists in its reworking of a classic story. Ford's cynicism about crime paying off feels timely but the film is ultimately too smart for its own good. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2026-02-18/how-to-make-a-killing-review-glen-powell-margaret-qualley-jessica-henwick)
- **Sight and Sound**: The film is fun enough at first but too shallow to be a satisfying satire. The critic singles out the lack of sharp critique, limited character insight and the drag from too many murders. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/how-make-killing-glen-powell-goes-american-psycho-this-slick-listless-eat-rich-comedy)
- **Slant Magazine**, Alexander Mooney: The critic praises it as a shrewd, refreshing retooling of an Ealing classic that rejects easy caricature in favor of brittle humanity and grim irony. Ford's direction and the film's old-school flair while commenting on American ambition are singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/how-to-make-a-killing-review-glen-powell-john-patton-ford/)
- **The Guardian**: The critic finds this update of Kind Hearts and Coronets a pale imitation that loses the original's class satire and icy elegance. Glen Powell is game but bland in the lead role, and the film never matches the source's brilliance or wit. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/mar/11/how-to-make-a-killing-review-one-man-on-a-bloody-quest-for-his-inheritance)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Frank Scheck: The critic finds the black comedy toothless and not funny enough, lacking darkness or sufficient investment in the characters. Margaret Qualley's energetic, winking performance as a scheming femme fatale is singled out as a highlight that almost makes the film worthwhile. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/how-to-make-a-killing-review-glen-powell-margaret-qualley-1236509885/)
- **The New York Times**, Manohla Dargis: The film is a cheerily cynical comedy about entitlement and murder that starts with promise but grows forced and self-satisfied. Ford assembles an appealing ensemble around Powell but the story remains thin. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/19/movies/how-to-make-a-killing-review.html)
- **The Telegraph**, Robbie Collin: The film is unnecessary and uninspiring, struggling to strike any tone and lacking humour or purpose as a remake. It follows the original plot but feels redundant and fails to capture the source material's spirit. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2026/03/11/how-to-make-a-killing-review/)
- **The Times**, Tom Shone: Glen Powell brings an edge of darkness to the role of a handsome hero plotting to kill for inheritance, but the film isn't daring enough and only plunges its knife halfway in. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/how-to-make-a-killing-isnt-daring-enough-it-plunges-its-knife-only-halfway-in-ldq0xg86b)
- **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman: Glen Powell carries the screw-loose thriller with yuppie treachery in this watchably weird reimagining of the classic. The film mixes greed, romance and murder with more on its mind than homicide. [Read](https://variety.com/2026/film/reviews/how-to-make-a-killing-review-glen-powell-margaret-qualley-1236666029/)
- **/Film**, Bill Bria (7/10): The critic calls it a sharp satire on the American dream and wealth disparity, transposing the plot of Kind Hearts and Coronets to modern New York with Glen Powell perfectly cast in the lead. It leans more into wry, subtle satire than broad comedy or laughs. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/2104095/how-to-make-a-killing-review/)
- **Collider**, Ross Bonaime (6/10): The critic finds the film a fun but flawed thriller that prioritizes its "eat the rich" message over crafting a compelling story or thriller elements, resulting in something that doesn't offer new insights. Glen Powell and Margaret Qualley are praised for their performances. [Read](https://collider.com/how-to-make-a-killing-review-glen-powell-margaret-qualley/)
- **Paste** (C): The review criticizes the film for Glen Powell delivering a predictable performance and the story offering simple, thin observations on capitalism without committing to either comedy or satire. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/how-to-make-a-killing-review)
- **The Wrap**: The critic praises John Patton Ford's skillful Americanized update of "Kind Hearts and Coronets," highlighting its scathing take on income inequality and dynastic wealth. Glen Powell's charismatic performance as the vengeful protagonist and the strong ensemble provide comic bite and keep the film fleet-footed. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/how-to-make-a-killing-glen-powell-a24-review/)

## Details

- **Director:** John Patton Ford
- **Director:** John Patton Ford
- **Writer:** John Patton Ford
- **Cinematography:** Todd Banhazl
- **Editor:** Harrison Atkins
- **Music:** Emile Mosseri
- **Production design:** Christian Huband
- **Costume design:** Jo Katsaras
- **Producer:** Graham Broadbent, Peter Czernin
- **Cast:** Glen Powell as Becket Redfellow; Margaret Qualley as Julia; Jessica Henwick as Ruth; Bill Camp as Warren Redfellow; Zach Woods as Noah Redfellow; Topher Grace as Steven Redfellow; Ed Harris as Whitelaw Redfellow; Rafferty Law as Taylor Redfellow
- **Runtime:** 1h 45m
- **Certificate (MPA):** R
- **Release (the US):** 20 February 2026
- **Genres:** Comedy, Thriller
- **Budget:** $15 million
- **Box office:** $22 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7RslMKZ2Yc

## Where to watch in the US

- HBO Max: streaming, uhd
- Hulu: add-on, hd
- The Roku Channel: add-on, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: add-on, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent $7.99, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy $19.99, uhd

*Checked 2026-09-10.*

Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BR, CA, CL, CO, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, IE, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PL, SE, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *Kind Hearts and Coronets* (1949), Fi1m 91: The original: colder, funnier, and Alec Guinness dies eight times for your pleasure — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/kind-hearts-and-coronets.md)
- *Monsieur Verdoux* (1947), Fi1m 82: Chaplin as a courteous murderer of wealthy widows; the charm is the indictment — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/monsieur-verdoux.md)
- *The Talented Mr. Ripley* (1999), Fi1m 80: A handsome man wants someone else’s life and pays for it in sweat — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-talented-mr-ripley.md)
- *Parasite* (2019), Fi1m 91: Two families, one house, and class warfare with actual teeth in it — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/parasite.md)
- *Emily the Criminal* (2022): Ford’s first film, where somebody is in real trouble from the first scene

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/how-to-make-a-killing