The Dark Turn of Glen Powell in A24’s New Thriller
Glen Powell is stepping away from his usual romantic comedy roles to take on a much darker, more intense character in the new trailer for A24’s black comedy thriller, How to Make a Killing. Directed by John Patton Ford, the film places the Top Gun: Maverick star in a high-stakes world where wealth and murder intertwine. Powell plays Becket Redfellow, an heir who decides the fastest way to his $28 billion family fortune is by eliminating the seven relatives standing in his way. This stylishly vicious saga promises to be a wild ride, blending sharp wit with genuine suspense.
What is the Plot of How to Make a Killing?
The film centers on a man’s ruthlessly calculated plan to inherit a colossal $28 billion from his ridiculously wealthy, estranged family. Glen Powell’s character, Becket Redfellow, is the son of an heiress who was disowned by the Redfellow empire after his birth. Becket is left with nothing when his mother passes away, and he becomes convinced the inheritance is rightfully his, hatching a scheme to claim the fortune. He realizes there are seven relatives, whom he dismissively calls “seven rich pricks,” ahead of him in the line of succession. The trailer makes it clear that Becket is more than willing to orchestrate a string of “accidents” to thin the family tree and secure his inheritance. This darkly comic concept is loosely inspired by the classic 1949 British film, Kind Hearts and Coronets.
Who Else is in the Cast?
A24 has assembled a fantastic ensemble cast to support Powell’s murderous mission. Margaret Qualley, fresh off her role in The Substance, stars as Julia, an old flame whose ambitious nature seems to align perfectly with Becket’s dark turn. The trailer hints at a complicated love triangle that adds emotional turbulence to the deadly plot. Jessica Henwick, known for her roles in The Matrix Resurrections, plays Ruth, Becket’s devoted girlfriend who values loyalty and integrity over wealth. The star-studded supporting cast also includes veterans like Ed Harris and Bill Camp, alongside comedic talents such as Zach Woods and Topher Grace. The stellar lineup confirms this film will be packed with captivating and morally complex performances.
Who is the Director and Writer?
The creative force behind How to Make a Killing is writer and director John Patton Ford. Ford is best known for his critically acclaimed 2022 crime thriller, Emily the Criminal, which starred Aubrey Plaza and was also distributed by A24. His previous film showcased a sharp, grounded perspective on economic desperation leading to criminal enterprise. Ford’s script for this new film, which was previously titled Huntington and even Rothchild, landed on the 2014 Black List of unproduced screenplays. The director is proving adept at tackling stories that dissect American ambition and the moral fallout of chasing the ‘dream’ at all costs. The visual style glimpsed in the trailer suggests a sleek, modern take on a classic satirical premise.
Is This A Dark Comedy or a Thriller?
Based on the trailer, How to Make a Killing expertly balances the high tension of a thriller with the satirical bite of a black comedy. Becket’s method of eliminating his relatives is framed with dark humor, suggesting a series of ridiculously inventive “accidents.” Powell delivers his lines with a calculated, wry detachment, leaning heavily into the comedic absurdity of the scenario. However, the high stakes, a $28 billion fortune, and life in prison keep the narrative taut and dangerous. The trailer features Becket becoming visibly stressed and unhinged as his plan progresses and suspicions mount. The movie promises a sophisticated blend of genres, making it far more than a simple whodunit or a straight-up comedy.
What Does the Trailer Tell Us About Becket’s Motivation?
The trailer strongly suggests Becket is motivated less by simple greed and more by a deep sense of entitlement and inherited grievance. His mother was disowned by the Redfellow family after his birth, leading him to grow up without the wealth he feels was his birthright. Becket’s murderous scheme is presented as an effort to reclaim what was “stolen” from him and his late mother. There’s a clear class commentary at play, where Becket, the relative outsider, is ruthlessly determined to invade the inner circle of the ultra-rich. His comment about “pruning the family tree” perfectly encapsulates his cold, almost business-like approach to a series of capital crimes. The trailer hints that he sees the $28 billion not just as money, but as validation of his inherent value.
How Will the Love Triangle Affect His Plan?
The romantic entanglement complicates Becket’s murderous plot, forcing him to make choices between his honest life and his greedy ambition. Ruth, his loyal girlfriend, is clearly uncomfortable with the suspicious activities and sudden changes in Becket’s behavior. Her integrity is a mirror reflecting Becket’s moral decay. Conversely, Julia, the flirtatious former flame, seems to actively encourage his audacious pursuit of wealth, suggesting she may either be a conspirator or a distraction. The emotional stakes of this love triangle heighten the pressure on Becket, threatening to expose his dark secrets. The pressure cooker environment of secrecy and deceit is a key ingredient in the thriller aspect of the film. Powell’s character will have to choose between his honest relationship and the woman who represents the wealth he desperately craves. This conflict provides a necessary human element to what could otherwise be a purely mechanical story of murder.
When and Where Can We Watch It?
A24 is scheduled to release How to Make a Killing in theaters on February 20, 2026. This mid-winter release date positions the film as counter-programming to the usual early-year releases, signaling the studio’s confidence in its star power and unconventional premise. The film’s pedigree—strong director, buzzworthy star, and A24’s reputation—suggests a significant theatrical run before eventually hitting streaming services. Glen Powell is currently one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actors, having recently starred in major hits like Anyone But You, Hit Man, and Twisters. This A24 project shows him diversifying his portfolio, diving into darker, more intricate character work. Fans are eager to see him deliver a performance with a genuine edge that moves past his charismatic but often lighter recent roles. The combination of star power and indie-film sensibility is a potent formula that often works exceptionally well for A24.
