How To Make A Killing: Julia’s Death and the Film’s Dark Twist

How To Make A Killing (2026) is the latest thriller from writer‑director John Patton Ford, released by A24. The film follows a blue‑collar protagonist who was disowned at birth by an obscenely wealthy family and will stop at nothing to claim his inheritance. While the story is driven by greed, betrayal, and murder, one of the most talked‑about moments is the death of a key character named Julia. Below we break down the plot, the role Julia plays, and why her demise is pivotal to the film’s climax.

Plot Overview

The narrative centers on a working‑class man (Glen Powell) who discovers that his biological family controls a billion‑dollar fortune. Determined to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his, he embarks on a ruthless campaign that includes blackmail, sabotage, and several murders. The film’s tagline—“billion dollars isn’t going to inherit itself”—captures the relentless ambition that drives the protagonist.

Margaret Qualley stars opposite Powell as a cunning ally whose loyalties shift throughout the story. The supporting cast—Ed Harris, Jessica Henwick, Zach Woods, Topher Grace, and Raff Law—populate a world of high‑stakes corporate intrigue and gritty underworld deals.

Who Is Julia?

Julia is introduced early in the film as a senior executive in the family’s financial empire. She is the sister of the protagonist’s estranged father and serves as a gatekeeper to the family’s secret accounts. Though not