Thescreescore – A24’s latest cinematic offering, How to Make a Killing, starring the charismatic Glen Powell, has ignited a fierce debate among film critics and general audiences, echoing a familiar chasm in modern cinema appreciation. This dark comedy thriller, a contemporary reimagining loosely inspired by the venerable 1949 British classic Kind Hearts and Coronets – itself an adaptation of Roy Horniman’s 1907 novel Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal – finds itself at the center of a significant critical-versus-audience divide, a phenomenon not unfamiliar to the independent studio known for pushing boundaries.
The narrative centers on Powell’s character, a disinherited illegitimate scion of the immensely affluent Redfellow dynasty. Driven by the labyrinthine stipulations of the family’s inheritance, he devises a ruthless scheme to systematically eliminate his numerous relatives, irrespective of the moral cost. It’s a premise ripe for both biting satire and thrilling suspense, yet its execution has yielded remarkably divergent opinions.
Critical reception for How to Make a Killing has been notably polarized, culminating in a rather subdued 47% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers frequently lauded Powell’s magnetic performance, drawing comparisons to the chilling charm of a young Patrick Bateman, and praised the film’s sharp, distinctive visual style that perfectly complements the protagonist’s murderous escapades. However, the film wasn’t without its detractors, with common criticisms pointing to an inconsistent narrative pace, a perceived lack of comedic bite, and a somewhat formulaic approach to its "eat the rich" thematic exploration.
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In stark contrast, the public’s verdict paints a dramatically different picture. Now that the film is playing in theaters, moviegoers have embraced How to Make a Killing with enthusiasm, finding it to be an unexpectedly engaging and entertaining cinematic experience. As of this writing, the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes stands at a robust 75%, marking a substantial 28-point disparity from the critics’ consensus. This significant gap represents the largest such divide for a Glen Powell feature since 2023’s romantic comedy Anyone But You.
Despite this strong word-of-mouth from audiences, the film’s theatrical debut has been less than stellar. How to Make a Killing garnered a modest $3.3 million over its opening three-day domestic run, positioning it at a disappointing sixth place at the box office, trailing behind titles such as Wuthering Heights and Crime 101. With an estimated production budget of $40 million, this performance suggests the film is on track to become a box office disappointment for A24, and marks a consecutive theatrical underperformance for Powell, following the recent Stephen King remake of The Running Man.
However, the story for How to Make a Killing may not be fully written. Given Powell’s burgeoning star power and A24’s established reputation for cultivating cult followings and successful streaming runs for their unique projects, there remains a tangible possibility of a rebound. The film’s strong audience approval could prove instrumental in building momentum once it transitions to digital and streaming platforms. Details regarding its availability on these services are yet to be announced.
Looking ahead, Glen Powell has further opportunities for box office redemption in 2026. He is slated to star in the highly anticipated science fantasy epic, The Great Beyond, directed by J.J. Abrams and featuring an ensemble cast including Jenna Ortega, Emma Mackey, Sophie Okonedo, Merritt Wever, and Samuel L. Jackson, set for a November release.
Directed and penned by John Patton Ford, How to Make a Killing also boasts a talented supporting cast including Margaret Qualley, Jessica Henwick, Bill Camp, Zach Woods, Topher Grace, and Ed Harris. Graham Broadbent and Pete Czernin served as producers on the film.
How to Make a Killing is currently playing in theaters. For more in-depth analysis and film news, keep an eye on thescreescore.com.
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