“How to Make a Killing” review: Glen Powell and the dead heirs

Glen Powell (37) was just a teenager when he first appeared on screen in 2003’s “Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over.” In the years that followed, he kept his career alive with smaller roles without landing the big hit. That changed in 2022 when he appeared in “Top Gun: Maverick” alongside Tom Cruise (63) – a role that fundamentally changed his career. Since then, Powell has been considered one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading actors.

With the romantic comedy “Where the Lie Falls” he had another success in 2023 and his status as a leading man was consolidated with the disaster film “Twisters” (2024). Now Powell is in the spotlight again: In “How to Make a Killing: Deadly Inheritance,” which opens in German cinemas on April 9th, he delivers a performance that is as charming as it is disturbing. The film is also completely convincing in terms of entertainment.

That’s what the film is about

Becket Redfellow (Glen Powell) leads a seemingly contented life – if it weren’t for the $28 billion he believes to be his rightful inheritance. Because his mother Mary Redfellow (Nell Williams) was once presented with a cruel choice by her father, the patriarch Whitelaw Redfellow (Ed Harris): abortion or banishment from the family. Mary chose her child – and a life of poverty. Decades later, on her deathbed, she asks her son to take what is rightfully his. Becket, charming and ambitious, doesn’t need to be told twice.

However, seven relatives stand between him and the family fortune until they gradually mysteriously fall victim to “accidents”. As Becket gets closer and closer to his goal, he also has to live up to the expectations of Ruth (Jessica Henwick) and resist the seductive advances of his childhood sweetheart Julia (Margaret Qualley).

The film is fast paced

“How to Make a Killing” doesn’t tell a completely new story, as the plot is inspired by the 1949 film “Nobility Obliged”. But director John Patton Ford gives the original a modern, fresh coat of paint. He manages to cleverly tell the story in flashbacks and still create tension throughout. The socially critical undertones remain subtle without being didactic, but the message still clearly resonates with the audience.

The pace remains consistently high, and there are rarely long-winded moments in which the film stalls. The film shows its full strength, especially in the first two thirds: Becket’s perfidious plans are bitterly evil and entertaining at the same time. His relatives’ “accidents” are staged so creatively that you feel bad laughing at their misfortune. Ford manages to strike a balance between humor and drama. The film runs out of steam a bit in the final act, and the argument with Whitelaw Redfellow is particularly disappointing – it just doesn’t make much sense.

The film scores with an excellent cast

The cast plays at a high level, especially Glen Powell, who once again impressively shows why he is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men. With a lot of charm and humor he plays his own variation of Patrick Bateman from “American Psycho” without neglecting the human traits of his character Becket. Despite his ruthless plan, he remains a fascinating character with whom viewers empathize.

The supporting roles are also strong: Margaret Qualley plays Becket’s childhood sweetheart Julia with a mixture of southern charm and underlying danger – the viewer never knows what she is up to. Character actor Bill Camp also shines in his scenes. Hollywood veteran Ed Harris, although only seen briefly, is confident as usual. This also applies to Jessica Henwick as Ruth – a character who, however, deserved more screen time.

Conclusion

“How to Make a Killing” offers good entertainment, even if the fast pace slows down a bit towards the end. Despite a slightly disappointing finale, the film impresses thanks to its strong cast, led by Glen Powell.

3 1/2 out of 3 inheritance acceleration actions