Glen Powell's Murder Comedy 'How to Make a Killing' Falls Flat

The film's attempt to modernize the classic 'Kind Hearts and Coronets' falls short, leaving audiences doubting the plausibility of the protagonist's scheme.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The new dark comedy 'How to Make a Killing,' directed by John Patton Ford and starring Glen Powell, is a modernized take on the classic 1949 film 'Kind Hearts and Coronets.' However, the attempt to update the story for a contemporary urban setting in New York City falls flat, with the protagonist's murderous plot feeling implausible and the overall film lacking the wit and dark playfulness of the original.

Why it matters

The film's failure to successfully translate the classic premise to a modern setting highlights the challenges of adapting beloved source material for contemporary audiences. The review suggests that the move from Edwardian England to 2026 New York City undermines the plausibility of the story, with the protagonist's scheme feeling more absurd than darkly comedic.

The details

In 'How to Make a Killing,' Glen Powell plays Becket Redfellow, a middle-class New Jersey tailor who hatches a plan to murder his wealthy Manhattan relatives in order to inherit their fortune. The film features a total of eight deaths, with seven being people and one being the source material itself. The review criticizes the film's lack of mischief and the protagonist's unassuming performance, as well as the absurd notion that the FBI would not be able to easily build a case against Becket given his obvious and careless machinations.

  • The film is set to be released in theaters on February 20, 2026.

The players

Glen Powell

An American actor who plays the lead role of Becket Redfellow, the conniving protagonist in 'How to Make a Killing.'

John Patton Ford

The writer and director of 'How to Make a Killing,' who has attempted to modernize the classic 'Kind Hearts and Coronets' story.

Topher Grace

An American actor who plays the role of a Hillsong-like church leader, who is one of Becket Redfellow's wealthy relatives.

Margaret Qualley

An American actress who plays the role of Julia, Becket Redfellow's childhood friend who is aware of his murderous plot.

Ed Harris

An American actor who plays the role of the Redfellow family patriarch.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There are eight deaths in 'How to Make a Killing.' Seven are people and one is done-dirty source material. The blood. So much blood.”

— Johnny Oleksinski, Critic (New York Post)

“Moving the action to a contemporary urban setting is akin to fitting a fairy with cement boots.”

— Johnny Oleksinski, Critic (New York Post)

“That the obvious methodical culling of a clan of billionaires (there are only some 3,000 billionaires on Earth) would be afforded just two preposterously casual FBI agents is, frankly, insulting to the viewer's intelligence.”

— Johnny Oleksinski, Critic (New York Post)

The takeaway

The failure of 'How to Make a Killing' to successfully translate the classic 'Kind Hearts and Coronets' premise to a modern setting highlights the challenges of adapting beloved source material for contemporary audiences. The film's lack of plausibility and dark comedic flair leaves audiences doubting the protagonist's scheme and the overall entertainment value of the movie.