Glen Powell Stars as Charismatic Serial Killer in Dark Comedy 'Rich Murder'

Glen Powell, known for his roles in "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Only You," takes on a new, darker role in the upcoming film "Rich Murder," directed by John Patton Ford. The movie, a modern American remake of the 1949 British black comedy "Kind Hearts and Coronets," follows Bect Redfellow (Powell), a working-class young man whose mother was disinherited from a wealthy aristocratic family. Driven by ambition and anger rather than revenge, Bect systematically assassinates seven relatives who stand between him and a vast inheritance.

The film, which premiered in Europe in March but was delayed nearly four months before its Israeli release, has received mixed reviews. Some praised it as an entertaining thriller, while others criticized it for lacking a sharp modern satire on the upper class. Powell, along with co-stars Jessica Hecht and Topher Grace, discussed in an interview with N12 how they approached portraying characters who kill without remorse, making audiences root for a ruthless protagonist through charisma and confidence.

Powell described the film as a "murder game" akin to a heist, with family members acting as chess pieces toward a grand prize. The story is narrated by Bect from prison, immersing viewers in his calculated mindset. The cast includes Ed Harris as a ruthless patriarch, Zach Woods as a self-important New York photographer, and Topher Grace as a megachurch preacher delivering rock-star style sermons. Grace expressed enthusiasm for his exaggerated role, recalling the intense experience filming a massive crowd scene with 600 extras.

Central to Bect's killing spree is his complicated relationship with two women: Julia (Margaret Qualley), a femme fatale from his past who shares his hunger for wealth and status, and Ruth (Jessica Hecht), who remains unaware of Bect's dark deeds and represents a moral anchor. Hecht noted that her character's chemistry with Bect was crucial for the audience to emotionally invest in their alternative path.

Whether viewed as a fun popcorn thriller or a biting commentary inspired by philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau's critique of the elite, "Rich Murder" aims to make viewers cheer for each perfect crime as Bect moves closer to his deadly goal.