Released just this week on February 13, 2026, “Crime 101” is the high-octane, slick heist thriller that is currently taking the box office by storm. Based on the acclaimed novella by Don Winslow, this film is being hailed as the modern successor to classic crime dramas like Heat.
The Story: Precision vs. Obsession
The movie is set against the sun-bleached, gritty backdrop of Los Angeles and follows two men on opposite sides of the law.
- The Thief: Mike Davis (Chris Hemsworth) is a master jewel thief. He is meticulous, non-violent, and follows a strict set of rules he calls “Crime 101.” His signature? He only hits high-end targets along the Pacific Coast Highway (the 101) and leaves absolutely zero evidence behind.
- The Detective: Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo) is a disheveled, obsessive detective who is the only one smart enough to see the pattern in Davis’s work. While the rest of the LAPD thinks these are isolated incidents, Lou is convinced a single genius is responsible.
- The Collision: As Mike prepares for his final “ultimate score,” his path intersects with Sharon Combs (Halle Berry), a disillusioned insurance broker who knows where the biggest diamonds are hidden. But the plan spirals into chaos when a psychotic young criminal named Ormon (Barry Keoghan) enters the fray, turning a quiet heist into a deadly war.
An All-Star Ensemble
| Actor | Character | Role |
| Chris Hemsworth | Mike Davis | The perfectionist master thief. |
| Mark Ruffalo | Lou Lubesnick | The “Columbo-style” obsessive detective. |
| Halle Berry | Sharon Combs | The ambitious, sharp-witted insurance broker. |
| Barry Keoghan | Ormon | The “wild card” psychotic younger thief. |
| Nick Nolte | Money | The legendary and cynical underworld fence. |
| Monica Barbaro | Maya | Mike’s love interest who doesn’t know his secret. |
Why “Crime 101” is a Must-Watch
- The Tension: Directed by Bart Layton (American Animals), the film uses “hyper-realistic” heist sequences. You won’t see many explosions; instead, you’ll see the tense, heart-pounding silence of a professional at work.
- The Character Study: This isn’t just about stealing diamonds. It explores the “brokenness” of Los Angeles—showing how a thief, a cop, and an insurance worker are all trapped in their own versions of the American Dream.
- The Rivalry: The “cat-and-mouse” chemistry between Hemsworth and Ruffalo is the heart of the film. They are two sides of the same coin—both lonely, both obsessive, and both the best at what they do.
Summary 📝
- The Plot: A meticulous jewel thief tries to pull off one last job while a relentless detective closes in.
- The Twist: A violent rival thief (Ormon) threatens to ruin everyone’s plans.
- The Release: Hit theaters nationwide on February 13, 2026.
- The Vibe: Dark, moody, and incredibly stylish. Think “Old School Hollywood” meets modern-day grit.
A Quick Note for Fans 🎬
The film is currently playing in IMAX and Dolby Cinema. Critics are specifically praising the sound design—the roar of a getaway car and the click of a vault lock have never sounded so intense!
Crime 101 Movie Official Trailer
This trailer gives you a first look at the tense face-off between Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo along the 101 freeway.