Glen Powell Shines in Uneven 'How to Make a Killing' Thriller

Critics say the film struggles to balance dark humor and suspense like its classic inspiration 'Kind Hearts and Coronets'

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Glen Powell's performance in the darkly comedic thriller 'How to Make a Killing' is earning praise, but the film reportedly fails to capture the tonal balance that made both the new movie's inspiration, 'Kind Hearts and Coronets,' and Powell's previous hit 'Hit Man' so successful. The film's premise - a man systematically targeting his wealthy relatives - taps into societal anxieties, but reviews suggest it doesn't fully deliver on the biting farce or chilling darkness of its classic source material.

Why it matters

Black comedy allows audiences to confront uncomfortable truths through laughter, which is especially appealing in a world grappling with complex issues like economic inequality and social unrest. However, striking the right balance between humor and suspense is a delicate challenge, as 'How to Make a Killing' appears to have struggled with. The film's performance could indicate whether there is a growing appetite for this genre, and what it takes for filmmakers to get it right.

The details

In 'How to Make a Killing,' Glen Powell stars as a man who systematically targets his wealthy relatives in order to reclaim his inheritance, drawing comparisons to the classic Ealing black comedy 'Kind Hearts and Coronets.' Critics note that while Powell's performance is strong, the film lacks the tonal balance that made both 'Hit Man' and the 1949 film so successful. The decision to focus on a single protagonist, rather than Alec Guinness's chameleonic approach in the original, is cited as a misstep that fails to capture the biting farce or chilling darkness of the inspiration.

  • The film opens in theaters on Friday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Glen Powell

An actor who is quickly becoming known for his roles in darkly comedic thrillers, including 'Hit Man' and now 'How to Make a Killing.'

Richard Linklater

The director of 'Hit Man,' in which Powell also starred.

John Patton Ford

The director of 'How to Make a Killing,' whose previous work 'Emily the Criminal' demonstrated an ability to connect contemporary class themes with gritty genre narratives.

Jessica Henwick

An actress whose performance in 'How to Make a Killing' is praised for adding depth and nuance to the film.

Zach Woods

An actor who portrays a painter who calls himself 'White Basquiat' in 'How to Make a Killing,' a role that received positive attention.

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What’s next

The film's performance and reception will likely indicate whether there is a growing appetite for dark comedic thrillers, and what filmmakers need to do to successfully execute the genre.

The takeaway

While Glen Powell's performance is earning praise, 'How to Make a Killing' ultimately struggles to capture the tonal balance and social commentary that made its inspiration, 'Kind Hearts and Coronets,' a classic. This highlights the challenge of remaking or riffing on beloved films, and the importance of delivering on both humor and suspense in the crowded field of satirical thrillers.