How to Make a Killing was one of my most anticipated new movies of 2026. Unfortunately I was left feeling underwhelmed by A24's latest venture, which doesn't stand up against a catalog of greats.
Remakes are risky enough as it is, but Kind Hearts and Coronets is an especially tough act to follow. The iconic 40s movie brought something new to the table, with Alec Guinness especially stealing the show as he played eight members of the same wealthy family.
It was a solid black comedy that even stands up today, making How to Make a Killing feel unnecessary and sadly, boring. Unlike its predecessor, the 2026 movie offers nothing new, aside from a fresh cast of modern day actors that do their best. But it really is difficult not to compare it to the source material, and that's where the disappointment lies.
Had this been an original thriller movie, perhaps my opinion would've differed. But unfortunately, How to Make a Killing feels very soulless and it doesn't have the charm of the movie that inspired it.
Even Glen Powell, who has previously delivered great performances in Twisters and Chad Powers, can't really save this movie. His leading role as Becket Redfellow shouldn't feel boring, especially as he's a serial killer with an intriguing motivation.
Director John Patton Ford impressed audiences with Emily The Criminal, which has a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score. So it's disappointing that How to Make a Killing has fallen flat, when we know he's capable of creating a really great movie.
Considering this is a movie about a man who murders his wealthy family as an act of revenge, it is disappointing that it ended up being as boring as it is. Becket's mother was exiled after she became pregnant as a teenager, and on her deathbed, told a young Becket that he should fight for the life he "deserves" to have. He does, but it's not all that exciting to watch.
There are some positives to be found in this movie, though. Margaret Qualley always delivers a great performance, no matter what she's in. She blew me away as Sue in The Substance, which I called the best body horror of 2024.
She's entertaining to watch here, too, as Julia Steinway, Becket’s childhood friend and crush, whom he hopes to win the heart of. Scenes involving them are perhaps my favorite part of the movie, and I did like some of the humor, but ultimately, this is a disappointment for A24, a studio I usually have a lot of love for.
If you're in the mood for a run-of-the-mill dark comedy with a few laughs and some notable names, you might want to see this now that it's out in theaters, or perhaps wait to see if it arrives on any of the best streaming services.
Disappointingly, it's one of those forgettable movies that you'll likely watch just once. But perhaps it will do its job of keeping you entertained for a couple of hours.
How to Make a Killing is in theaters worldwide now.
