Prime Video's 'Steal' Thriller: Is the 'Scarily Real' Heist Based on True Events?
Prime Video's latest adrenaline-fuelled thriller, Steal, has captivated audiences with its gripping narrative and impressive ensemble cast, including Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner and Motherland favourite Anna Maxwell Martin. The six-part series, which premiered recently, centres on office worker Zara, portrayed by Turner, who finds herself embroiled in a harrowing heist at Lochmill Capital, a pension fund investment firm.
The Plot: A High-Stakes Heist with Personal Stakes
During an ordinary working day, a group of ruthless criminals storms the premises of Lochmill Capital, coercing Zara and her closest friend Luke, played by Archie Madekwe, into assisting them in stealing billions of pounds. The situation escalates as Detective Chief Inspector Rhys, portrayed by Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, is assigned to apprehend the criminals. However, Rhys battles his own demons as a gambling addict who has recently relapsed, adding a layer of personal financial struggle to the high-stakes investigation.
The series has been praised for its "scarily real" concept by publications like Good Housekeeping, and Vernon Sanders, Head of Television at Amazon MGM Studios, described it as a "uniquely thrilling ride." With a spine-chilling trailer and production that took place throughout London, including sequences on Columbia Road in Hackney, the show aims to immerse viewers in a plausible, contemporary setting.
Is 'Steal' Based on a True Story?
Despite its realistic feel, the storyline of Steal is entirely fictional. Sophie Turner revealed that upon first reading the script, she was struck by how "grounded in truth" the characters appeared, which adds to the series' authenticity. In an interview with The Metro, Turner explained that the narrative highlights the complexity of human nature, stating, "how multifaceted people can be and [how] no one's black or white. They're all so grey." This nuanced portrayal contributes to the unpredictable and engaging plot that kept her hooked during the reading process.
Turner also noted the appeal of working on a modern-day project, a departure from the fantasy realm of Game of Thrones. She mentioned that it allowed the cast to focus on the story without concerns about historical accuracy, saying, "It felt like we could really hone in our focus on the story and not worry about if buildings look too new or old." Shooting near her London residence added to the invasive feel of the plot, enhancing the realism for both the actors and the audience.
Behind the Scenes: Research and Writing
The series was penned by crime author Sotiris Nikias, marking his first foray into screenwriting. Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, who plays DCI Rhys, went to great lengths to ensure an authentic performance. He consulted with a retired DCI from London's murder investigation unit and a professional poker player to inform his portrayal of a detective grappling with addiction. Fortune-Lloyd remarked, "We love police and detectives in this country, and I have played a detective before, but I was relieved to see some unusual stuff." He highlighted elements like the poker addiction and the character's Romanian heritage as adding "a nice new layer" to the role.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Reception
Steal has already garnered rave reviews from critics. The Guardian awarded it four out of five stars, with Lucy Mangan describing it as "a breathless and hugely entertaining financial heist show" that serves as "a clever meditation on the evil of money." The i Paper declared it a "triumph," while Collider called it "an imperfect but addictive binge-watch." Therese Lacson noted that the series leads viewers in circles through discussions about the ethical uses of money and its purpose in society.
With an 80 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this chillingly realistic thriller holds great promise for audiences seeking a thought-provoking and suspenseful viewing experience. Steal is currently streaming on Prime Video, offering a compelling exploration of crime, morality, and the complexities of human behaviour in a modern financial context.
