How to Make a Killing
The brief
John Patton Ford follows up Emily the Criminal with a pitch-black comedy that feels like Knives Out's scrappier, meaner cousin. Glen Powell sheds his Top Gun charm to play a genuinely unhinged schemer, while Margaret Qualley matches his manic energy as they tear through a wealthy family's secrets with zero moral compass. The pacing stays relentless for almost two hours, bouncing between laugh-out-loud moments and genuinely uncomfortable family dysfunction. Perfect for anyone who loved Succession's family toxicity or wanted Ready or Not with more laughs and less gore.
The verdict
If you loved the toxic family dynamics of Succession or the dark humor of Knives Out and don't mind morally bankrupt characters, this is a wickedly entertaining ride that showcases Glen Powell's range beyond his usual charm. If you prefer your comedies with likeable protagonists or can't stomach nearly two hours of relentless dysfunction, the mixed critical reception suggests you'll find it more exhausting than amusing.
Watch with
- 👥 Friends who love dark comedies
- ⚠️ Those seeking lighthearted family films
Heads up
- Family violence and dysfunction (moderate)
- Morally bankrupt characters throughout (frequent)
- Dark themes about inheritance greed (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- John Patton Ford
- Cast
- Glen Powell, Margaret Qualley, Jessica Henwick, Bill Camp, Zach Woods, Topher Grace, Ed Harris
Official synopsis
Disowned at birth by his obscenely wealthy family, blue-collar Becket Redfellow will stop at nothing to reclaim
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with The Sisters Brothers (2018)
Dark comedy about sibling rivalry and greed with murderous undertones.
Total runtime: 1h 49m + 2h 01m = 3h 50m
