Thescreescore – The cinematic landscape is abuzz as the initial wave of critical responses for How to Make a Killing, Glen Powell’s latest venture into the dark comedy thriller genre, has landed. Hailing from the acclaimed independent studio A24, this film sees Powell diving into a role that critics are already calling one of his most captivating and twisted performances to date.
Powell embodies Becket Redfellow, a man driven by a profound thirst for vengeance and a desire to reclaim his birthright. Disinherited from his ultra-wealthy family at birth and condemned to a life of blue-collar struggle, Becket now sees a gruesome opportunity: eliminate his numerous relatives standing between him and the vast inheritance he believes is rightfully his. The ensemble cast joining Powell on this macabre journey includes the formidable talents of Margaret Qualley, Jessica Henwick, Ed Harris, Bill Camp, Zach Woods, and Topher Grace.
Early reviews paint a largely enthusiastic picture, frequently singling out the electrifying chemistry and compelling portrayals by Powell and Qualley. Rachel Leishman lauded the film as "a thrilling and exciting dark comedy," drawing comparisons to the iconic American Psycho for its "utter perfection." Leishman particularly praised Powell’s Becket as "charming, twisted, and an addicting character to embark on this journey with," while highlighting Qualley’s "slightly deranged energy" as Becket’s childhood confidante, Julia Steinway. Tessa Smith echoed this sentiment, describing their on-screen dynamic as "electric" and noting the "bonkers" nature of the kills, confessing a surprising urge to root for Becket, all while teasing a truly shocking finale. Jairo Jiménez further elevated the praise, calling the film "A biting, addictive satire" and commending Powell’s "astonishingly twisted & magnetic charisma," declaring it "one of his best performances yet."
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However, not all reactions were uniformly effusive. Adriano Caporusso offered a more tempered perspective, characterizing How to Make a Killing as "a simple, sloppy, but notably fun crime caper," suggesting that Powell’s inherent charm often elevates material that might otherwise feel "underwritten." Matt Neglia shared a similar view, acknowledging the film’s "fun moments" and "confident, smooth pace," but positing that its slickness sometimes glosses over the narrative’s more intricate dimensions.
Helmed by director and writer John Patton Ford, known for his gritty 2022 crime thriller Emily the Criminal starring Aubrey Plaza, How to Make a Killing (originally titled Huntington) is set to unleash its dark humor in US theaters on February 20, 2026. The film boasts a runtime of 108 minutes.
This A24 production marks a pivotal moment for Glen Powell, following his appearance in Edgar Wright’s The Running Man remake in November 2025, which garnered a mixed critical reception and underperformed commercially. How to Make a Killing presents a prime opportunity for Powell to solidify his standing as a versatile leading man, building on the immense success of blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick, the romantic comedy hit Anyone but You, and the upcoming disaster epic Twisters. While the film faces a relatively clear opening weekend, it will contend with several high-profile titles entering their second week, including Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s Wuthering Heights, Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo’s Crime 101, the animated feature Goat, Sam Rockwell’s Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, and Liam Neeson’s Cold Storage. Despite the competition, the unique premise and early buzz suggest How to Make a Killing is poised to carve out its own bloody niche in the February box office.
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