A24 released its newest thriller/comedy film, “How to Make a Killing,” this past Friday, February 20. Directed by John Patton Ford, the film stars Glen Powell as Beckett Redfellow and opens with Beckett in prison, with only four hours to go until his execution. He begins telling his story to the priest who visits him, which launches into the plot of the film. Using voiceover and cutting back to the present, the film positions the audience members as listeners to his story as well.
Beckett was raised by a single mother after she was disowned by the very wealthy Redfellows, and is told by his mother that he should do everything he can to get the life he “deserves.” Beckett tries to live his life by doing the right thing, but is always getting knocked down. When he loses his job to the boss’s son, and finds out his elementary school crush (Maragaret Qualley) is engaged, it’s the final straw.
Based on a comment by Qualley’s character Julia, Beckett starts to wonder about the possibility of claiming his inheritance. The only problem is that seven people stand in the way of the fortune. And so begin the murders.
The graphic of a family tree is repeated throughout the film and situates the audience to be able to follow Beckett as he targets various family members. Each cousin, aunt and uncle is given a distinct and comedic personality that aligns with being born into wealth, and each murder method matches the character. This prevents the film from being too repetitive, as it runs the risk of doing, and instead keeps the audience guessing.
Also keeping the film interesting is the dueling female love interests for Beckett: Julia, as the childhood crush that keeps showing up, and Ruth (Jessica Henwick) as a new flame that Beckett meets under some complicated circumstances.
Other moments, like Beckett’s confrontation with his grandfather and a shocking threat that turns Beckett’s plan upside down, ensure that the audience never knows what’s coming next. The fast pace of the film works to make it easier for the audience to suspend their disbelief and go along for the ride without thinking too hard about the logistics of the scenario.
One might think that the fact that the film opens with Beckett in prison would make the film boring and predictable – after all, he gets caught, doesn’t he? Without giving too much away, I’ll just say that things are definitely not all as they seem, and therefore not boring.
Beckett introduces his story by saying that it is a tragedy, and though there are ups and downs throughout the narrative, the ending sticks to its tragic expectations and delivers a surprising conclusion. Whether or not Beckett escapes his impending execution, there certainly is no “happily ever after.” Despite that, the journey is an exciting and shocking one that you will not want to miss.
Junior Emily Myers is a Copy Editor. Her email is emyers3@fandm.edu.