Crime 101 Review: A Sleek, All-Star Thriller with Modern Nihilism
In Crime 101, writer-director Bart Layton delivers a sleek, modern take on the heist thriller, reminiscent of Michael Mann's ventures but infused with a healthy dose of 2020s nihilism. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo, and Barry Keoghan, this film runs like a fine-tuned engine, using Los Angeles as a steel and sun-dappled chessboard for its intricate plot.
Plot and Characters: Thieves and Cops Collide in LA
The story, adapted from a Don Winslow novella, follows four major players whose lives intersect along the 101 freeway. Mike Davis, played by Chris Hemsworth, is a methodical jewel thief with a conscience who abhors violence. Detective Lou Lubesnick, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, is a decent cop wallowing at the bottom of his precinct's productivity chart, struggling with personal issues like a trial separation from his wife, played by Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Sharon Colvin, brought to life by Halle Berry, sells insurance to the odiously rich, grappling with the exploitative nature of her work and insomnia. Barry Keoghan co-stars as Ormon, a rival thief and agent of chaos with a bruised soul. As Lou hunts Mike, Mike's schemes draw Sharon into the fray, while Ormon threatens to disrupt everything.
Performances and Themes: Charisma and Moral Ambiguity
Despite characters that might seem like moral representatives on paper, the cast infuses them with undeniable charisma. Mark Ruffalo shines as a performer of hard-won goodness, with a buckled posture and a lovable twinkle in his eye. Halle Berry effortlessly transitions between volcanic rage and a shimmery performance of carelessness, delivering a glorious moment when she demands, "shut the f*** up."
Chris Hemsworth, while perhaps ill-suited for a role requiring more alienation, balances ultra-masculinity with vulnerability, blurring lines between legal theft and corporate exploitation. The film's seamless camera movements between spaces enhance its engine-like pacing, intertwining disparate threads to explore themes of financial security and personal sacrifice.
Conclusion: A Return to Mid-Budget Thrillers
Crime 101 is a return to the mid-budget thriller, avoiding nostalgia while referencing classics. It questions how much of oneself one is willing to sell for elusive financial security, with a runtime of 140 minutes and a 15 certificate. Directed by Bart Layton and featuring a stellar supporting cast including Monica Barbaro and Corey Hawkins, it hits cinemas from 13 February, offering a compelling, thought-provoking cinematic experience.
