John Patton Ford’s sophomore feature, Jugada maestra (How to Make a Killing), arriving in theaters April 2, 2026, isn’t the cinematic disaster some early reviews suggested. The film, a darkly comedic thriller, navigates a complex web of crime, deception and romantic entanglements, offering a surprisingly engaging experience. While it inevitably invites comparisons to its inspiration, the 1949 Ealing Studios classic Kind Hearts and Coronets, Ford’s take stands on its own as a stylish and entertaining, if not groundbreaking, piece of filmmaking. The core of the story – a man systematically eliminating obstacles to a vast inheritance – is a familiar trope, but Jugada maestra injects enough modern sensibility and sharp wit to keep audiences guessing.
The film centers on Becket Redfellow, played with a compelling blend of charm and menace by Glen Powell. Becket stands to inherit a staggering $28 billion fortune, but a family tree riddled with less-than-enthusiastic relatives stands in his way. As the narrative unfolds, largely through flashbacks triggered by Becket’s confession to a priest on the eve of his execution, we witness his calculated attempts to “resolve” the familial complications. This structure, while not entirely novel, allows Ford to build suspense and gradually reveal the depths of Becket’s cynicism. The film’s success hinges on Powell’s performance, and he delivers, echoing shades of his role in Richard Linklater’s 2023 film, Cómplices del engaño / Hit Man, but with a darker, more calculating edge.
A Modern Take on a Classic Premise
Ford’s decision to draw inspiration from Kind Hearts and Coronets is a bold one. The original, lauded for its biting satire and Alec Guinness’s masterful performance playing multiple members of the same family, set a high bar. The 1949 film, based on the 1907 novel Israel Rank: The Autobiography of a Criminal by Roy Horniman, remains a touchstone of British black comedy. However, Jugada maestra doesn’t attempt a direct remake. Instead, it reimagines the premise for a contemporary audience, leaning into the psychological thriller aspects and adding a distinctly noirish aesthetic. The cinematography, by Todd Banhazl, effectively creates a sense of unease and moral ambiguity, while Emile Mosseri’s score adds to the film’s atmospheric tension.
Central to the film’s dynamic is the interplay between Becket and two women: Julia (Margaret Qualley), a captivating and enigmatic figure who embodies the classic femme fatale, and Ruth (Jessica Henwick), whose motivations and allegiances remain deliberately ambiguous. Qualley, known for her work in projects like Fargo, brings a seductive vulnerability to Julia, making her a compelling and unpredictable force. The dynamic between the three characters forms the emotional core of the film, adding layers of complexity to Becket’s already questionable actions.
A Stellar Supporting Cast
Beyond the central trio, Jugada maestra boasts a strong supporting cast. Veteran actors Ed Harris and Bill Camp, while not given extensive screen time, lend gravitas to their roles, adding to the film’s overall sense of realism. Topher Grace and Zach Woods also contribute memorable performances, injecting moments of dark humor into the proceedings. The film’s strength lies not only in its leads but also in the ensemble’s ability to create a believable and unsettling world.
Beyond the Plot: A Commentary on Contemporary Society
While the plot revolves around a series of calculated crimes, Jugada maestra also offers a subtle, yet pointed, commentary on contemporary society. The film explores themes of greed, hypocrisy, and the lengths to which people will go to achieve wealth and power. Becket’s confession to a priest, framing the narrative, serves as a justification for his actions, revealing a cynical worldview where morality is a fluid concept. The flashbacks allow Ford to dissect the motivations behind Becket’s choices, presenting a portrait of a man shaped by a system that rewards ambition and ruthlessness. The film, much like Park Chan-wook’s recent La única opción / No Other Choice, doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature.
Jugada maestra is a well-crafted and entertaining thriller that defies its initial critical reception. It’s not a perfect film – the comparison to Kind Hearts and Coronets is inevitable and, to some extent, unfavorable – but it’s a far cry from the “bochorno” some critics claimed. It’s a stylish, suspenseful, and thought-provoking film that offers a compelling showcase for Glen Powell’s talent and a welcome addition to the genre. The film’s exploration of moral ambiguity and societal critique elevates it beyond a simple crime thriller, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of dark comedy and psychological suspense.
Jugada maestra (How to Make a Killing) opens in theaters on April 2, 2026. Diamond Films is distributing the film in select markets. Audiences can expect a 106-minute runtime and a rating suitable for those 16 and older.
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