In How to Make a Killing, a young man knows his family’s fortune is just beyond his reach and he intends to bring it closer.
Becket Redfellow (Glen Powell) was born to a young, single mother (Nell Williams) who was disowned when she refused to end her pregnancy. After her untimely death leaves Becket alone, he grows up always aware of the legacy that could have been his. The return of a childhood friend, Julia (Margaret Qualley), reignites his desire to get what he feels he deserves.
Becket is an engaging storyteller. The fact that he’s relating his tale from a death row cell hours just adds to the excitement. Only Powell could play such a likeable serial killer. When he secures a profitable career and finds a great romantic match (Jessica Henwick), viewers will hope it’s enough. But if it isn’t, no one will want him to get his comeuppance.
Becket’s assassinations are thoughtful, generally non-violent and deceptive. He proudly describes his homicides and how he slyly directs the blame to their lifestyles. For a novice killer, he easily carries out some expert murders.
Julia is the story’s femme fatale. But Qualley isn’t a classic seductress. Even though her attempts to use her womanly wiles on Becket fail, she repeatedly implies she’s holding all the cards. It’s even more interesting that Julia is positioned as the villainous sociopath even though Becket is murdering people without remorse.
Writer-director John Patton Ford likes narratives about last-resort delinquents. It’s unfortunate only half the script works well — but that half is a joy to watch.
Director: John Patton Ford
Starring: Glen Powell, Margaret Qualley and Jessica Henwick
