How To Make A Killing is a 2026 American black comedy thriller written and directed by John Patton Ford, known for the acclaimed 2022 crime drama Emily the Criminal. The film blends revenge, satire, and crime in a modern reinterpretation of the 1949 classic Kind Hearts and Coronets.
The movie stars Glen Powell, Margaret Qualley, Ed Harris, Jessica Henwick, Zach Woods, Topher Grace, Raff Law, and Bill Camp. The plot follows Becket Redfellow, a cut-off heir who believes he deserves his family’s vast fortune and decides to take extreme, homicidal measures to claim it.
Filmed in Cape Town, South Africa, the movie is scheduled for theatrical release on February 20, 2026, with distribution by A24 in the U.S.
How To Make A Killing Age Rating
How To Make A Killing is officially rated R for language and some violence/bloody images. This rating reflects the film’s dark comedic tone, its depiction of revenge-driven murders, and its persistent use of mature dialogue. As a black comedy thriller, the film mixes shocking acts with satirical humor, leaning heavily into adult themes of greed, entitlement, and moral decay.
Violence & Peril
The movie features strong but stylized violence, consistent with dark comedy thrillers. Scenes connected to Becket’s revenge plot involve murder attempts, unexpected deaths, and bloody aftermaths, though they are typically framed with satirical tone rather than graphic realism. Some sequences show characters injured or killed on screen, and brief bloody imagery underscores the brutality beneath the humor. Moments of tension and looming danger are frequent as Becket targets those blocking his inheritance.
Language
The dialogue contains frequent strong profanity, including repeated use of the f-word during confrontations, arguments, and comedic exchanges. Characters often use sarcasm, biting insults, and crude remarks to heighten the film’s darkly humorous tone.
Mature Themes
The story centers on revenge, greed, class privilege, entitlement, and murder, making its thematic content firmly adult. Characters pursue wealth through unethical and deadly means. The tone is cynical and satirical, emphasizing moral corruption and the absurdity of extreme ambition. There is no focus on sexual content, but adult references and mature comedic situations appear throughout. Substance use may appear in upscale party settings or character interactions.
Is How To Make A Killing Suitable for Teens?
Ages 13–14: Not Suitable. The film’s murders, bloody images, and heavy profanity make it inappropriate for younger teens. The moral tone is intentionally ambiguous, which can be confusing for viewers in this age range.
Ages 15–16: With Guidance. Mature teens who can handle dark humor, violence, and satirical portrayals of crime may follow the narrative, but guidance is strongly recommended. The themes of entitlement and murder-for-profit require context and discussion.
Ages 17+: Yes. Older teens can watch it, especially those familiar with A24’s darker thrillers. The tone, violence, and language remain intense, but the satirical approach may appeal to viewers interested in dark comedy or crime films.
Final recommendation: Best suited for ages 17+.
What Parents Can Do
- Discuss satire and morality: Help teens understand the film’s exaggerated, satirical tone, especially its critique of wealth, privilege, and moral corruption.
- Talk about media violence: Explore the differences between stylized violence used for dark humor and realistic depictions, and how satire can mask serious themes.
- Pre-screen for sensitive teens: If your teen is easily unsettled by bloody imagery or morally ambiguous characters, watch the film first to gauge its impact.
FAQs
Q: What is How To Make A Killing rated and why?
A: It is Rated R for language and some violence/bloody images, reflecting its dark humor, murders, and strong profanity.
Q: Is the film appropriate for teens?
A: Mostly for older teens (17+) due to its violence, satire involving murder, and strong language.
Q: How violent is the movie?
A: The violence includes murder attempts and bloody aftermaths. While stylized for dark comedy, it is still mature and sometimes shocking.
Q: Does the movie contain offensive language or slurs?
A: Yes, it contains frequent strong profanity, including the f-word, but no reports of racial or hateful slurs.
Q: Is there sexual content in the film?
A: There is no explicit sexual content reported, though adult themes and suggestive dialogue may appear.
Q: Where will How To Make A Killing be available to watch?
A: The film will release in theaters on February 20, 2026, with A24 handling U.S. distribution. Streaming details will be announced later.