A somber Los Angeles thriller that reverberates with Heat echoes

A moody take on crime and obsession

February 14, 2026 – Crime 101 — directed by Bart Layton and starring Chris Hemsworth — positions itself as a neo-noir heist thriller in the vein of Heat. The film follows Mike Davis (Hemsworth), a meticulous jewel thief pulling robberies along Los Angeles’ legendary Highway 101, each more calculated than the last. Meanwhile, weary detective Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo) tries to piece together the pattern behind the crime spree.
Vibe initiated.

Image Credit: Amazon MGM Studios

Strong performances amid derivative ambition

Hemsworth delivers a restrained, almost introspective performance, steering Mike away from action-hero swagger toward a quieter psychological depth. Ruffalo’s Lou brings world-worn intensity, and Halle Berry shines as Sharon, an insurance broker entangled in both legal and moral breakdowns. Their intersecting journeys add texture to a script that occasionally struggles under its own aspirations.
Depth felt.

A film rich in atmosphere… and pitfalls

Layton lavishes the movie with visual style — sweeping L.A. landscapes and car chases that pulsate with kinetic energy — but the pacing and ensemble nature sometimes dilute narrative focus. Subplots involving other players, like Barry Keoghan’s volatile Ormon or Nick Nolte’s enigmatic Money, hint at richness the film only touches.
Aesthetic strong, cohesion mixed.

Image Credit: Amazon MGM Studios

Echoes of Michael Mann and noir DNA

The comparison to Michael Mann’s work, especially Heat, is unavoidable. From contemplative shots to character code conflicts, Crime 101 revels in noir surface and procedural rhythms. But while homage fuels its stylish gears, it doesn’t always break new ground.
Tribute or imitation?

Image Credit: Amazon MGM Studios

Final thoughts

Crime 101 is an absorbing yet imperfect heist film — rich in performance and atmosphere, occasionally undone by structural indecision. For fans of gritty LA crime sagas, it offers a compelling night in the noir.
Engrossing enough.

FAQs

Q1: What is Crime 101 about?
A jewel thief’s methodical heists along California’s Highway 101.

Q2: Who stars in the film?
Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry, Barry Keoghan, and Nick Nolte.

Q3: Who directed Crime 101?
It was written and directed by Bart Layton.

Q4: How is the tone of the film described?
Moody, atmospheric, and reminiscent of classic noir.

Q5: Does it break new ground?
Critics say it’s stylish but sometimes too derivative of its inspirations.