Crime 101 review: A tense heist thriller with a stacked cast

Crime 101 is the kind of film where the cast list sells it, and for once the film justifies the sell. Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry and Barry Keoghan are all in it, the staging is tense, and it kept us entertained for its full running time. It is a solid heist thriller and a good evening’s viewing. It is also not above average, and I want to be honest about both halves.

The story in one line

If you like your thrillers tense and grown-up, our best modern action movies for dads is a good companion list. A string of precisely planned jewel robberies runs along Highway 101 in California, and a detective starts to see a pattern in them. That is the whole premise, and it is the right one for a heist film: a clever thief, a dogged investigator and a line on the map between them.

The film is built on a novella by Don Winslow (the movie tie-in edition is an easy read), whose crime fiction has a reputation for pace and atmosphere, and director Bart Layton brings his own record in the genre. Layton made The Imposter and American Animals, both films about elaborate deceptions, and he is a natural fit for a story about planning and nerves.

A cast worth the ticket

The casting is the film’s strongest card. Chris Hemsworth plays the thief, Mark Ruffalo is the investigator on his trail, and Halle Berry and Barry Keoghan add weight in supporting roles. It is a good cast, and each of them gets something to do.

What I liked is that the film trusts them. Many scenes are two people in a room, circling each other, and the performances carry them.

Tense, but familiar

The film is well made. It is paced to keep you looking, it is staged with care, and the tension builds as the net tightens. As a thriller it did its job: I was never bored, and I wanted to see how it played out.

It is also a film built from familiar parts. The clever thief, the persistent detective, the last job: you will have seen these ingredients before, and Crime 101 does not rearrange them in a way that surprises. It is a good example of its genre rather than a film that redefines it, and that is the reason it lands at a 3.5.

Who should skip it

Crime 101 is rated R, with violence and strong language, and it is not a film for children. At around 140 minutes it is also on the long side, and if you want a quick, light evening, this is a slower and more serious thing than that.

Want to watch it tonight? Prime Video’s 30-day free trial is an easy way to try a big catalogue at home. Catalogues change, so check whether the film is included before you sign up.

Is Crime 101 worth watching?

Yes, as a tense, well-cast heist thriller. It kept us entertained, but it does not rise above the genre, so we rate it 3.5 out of 5.

Who directed Crime 101?

Bart Layton, whose earlier work includes The Imposter and American Animals.

Is Crime 101 based on a book?

Yes, it is based on a novella by Don Winslow.

Is Crime 101 suitable for kids?

No. It is rated R for violence and language and is written for adults.

Where can I watch Crime 101?

It was released in cinemas on 13 February 2026 and has been available on Prime Video since 1 April 2026. Streaming catalogues change, so check availability before you plan your evening.