How To Make A Killing Kermode Review: A Detailed Look at Mark Kermode’s Take
If you’re searching for a concise yet thorough analysis of the new thriller How To Make A Killing, you’ve landed in the right place. This article compiles the key points from Mark Kermode’s recent review, highlights the film’s main strengths and weaknesses, and offers insight for fans of gritty, blue‑collar revenge stories.
Quick Summary of the Film
How To Make A Killing follows Becket Redfellow (played by Glen Powell), a man disowned at birth by an obscenely wealthy family. Determined to reclaim his inheritance, Becket embarks on a ruthless campaign to eliminate the heirs ahead of him. The narrative blends high‑stakes action with dark humor, positioning the protagonist as both anti‑hero and underdog.
Mark Kermode’s Core Verdict
Kermode, known for his razor‑sharp film analysis alongside Simon Mayo on their #FilmReviews platform, describes the movie as “a relentless, if uneven, showcase of ambition and brutality.” He praises the film’s willingness to push genre boundaries while noting that its pacing occasionally falters.
What Kermode Likes: Strengths Highlighted
- Glen Powell’s Performance: Kermode applauds Powell’s ability to balance charm with menace, noting that his blue‑collar background adds authenticity to the role.
- Bold Narrative Choices: The review commends the script for refusing safe tropes, especially the decision to keep the audience guessing about who will survive each deadly encounter.
- Visual Style: The cinematography’s gritty palette and tight framing amplify the tension, a point Kermode emphasizes when discussing the film’s “gritty aesthetic”.
Where Kermode Finds Fault
- Inconsistent Pacing: The middle act drags slightly, with a few scenes feeling repetitive before the final act re‑energises the plot.
- Underdeveloped Supporting Characters: Kermode notes that several heirs lack depth, making their demise feel less impactful.
