How to Make a Killing brings a modern twist to the classic British caper. Inspired by the much-loved 1949 film Kind Hearts and Coronets, in which Alec Guinness famously played multiple members of the same aristocratic family. The new film channels that same mischievous spirit while updating the story for a contemporary audience. Directed by John Patton Ford, the filmmaker behind Emily the Criminal, the movie follows a chaotic plan involving a group of wealthy, deeply flawed characters whose schemes quickly spiral out of control.
In our interview with the cast, we talked about the challenge of drawing inspiration from such a beloved classic while finding a tone that works for modern audiences. The actors also discussed the collaborative atmosphere on set, with Ford encouraging improvisation to help the performances feel natural and to build believable chemistry between the characters.
The conversation also explored the film’s satirical take on privilege and power. Several cast members spoke about playing characters who are rich, opinionated and often insufferable, and how observing real-life figures—from Hollywood personalities to self-help gurus—informed their performances. At its core, the film uses dark humor to examine wealth, authenticity and the strange psychology that can come with extreme privilege.
