NEWS

Starring Glen Powell as Becket Redfellow, "How to Make a Killing" begins with Becket, hours from execution, telling a priest the story of how he ended up there. Beginning with his birth to a young woman now disowned by her wealthy family, Becket weaves a tale of a young man determined to get what he feels is owed him – his rightful inheritance. Yet, there’s a problem – there are 7 Redfellows ahead of him.

The choice to have Becket narrate his story as we see his life unfold provides a unique level of characterization and sympathy that likely wouldn't be achieved otherwise. Most of the characters are, at best, morally gray, allowing the audience to wonder if eliminating some of them isn’t the worst idea. While Becket manages some creative schemes, his life takes some interesting twists and turns, and the question of what kind of life Becket actually deserves, and should pursue, comes to the surface.

Powell adds an engaging level of humor and hindsight to Becket’s narrative. Jessica Henwick, as Becket’s fiancée Ruth, provides a light that could lead Becket to redemption. But we soon realize this is not a simple redemption story as Julia, played brilliantly by Margaret Qualley, slinks in and out of Becket’s life, upending expectations.

With many interesting ideas, "How to Make a Killing" doesn't do much with them. The film plods along while the actual kills are not only not as grandiose as they could be in a situation like this, but they are often treated as an afterthought. Most of the film centers around the ramifications of Becket’s actions and his efforts to avoid suspicion. As such, the movie ends up being rather forgettable, even though the ending provides a bit of a surprise. A good movie to pass the time, "How to Make a Killing" is a fun excuse to get out of the house for some people. However, others may find it not to be worth the price of admission.

6/10