By Irshad Khan 
Amazon MGM Studios is bringing sophisticated heist cinema back with Crime 101, a star-studded thriller that blends the glamorous elegance of classic Steve McQueen capers with contemporary character-driven storytelling. Starring Chris Hemsworth as a master thief, Halle Berry as a disillusioned insurance broker, and Mark Ruffalo as a relentless detective, this highly anticipated heist film promises a gripping game of cat-and-mouse set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Los Angeles. Directed by Bart Layton and based on Don Winslow’s acclaimed novella, Crime 101 is set to hit theaters on February 13, 2026, and already has audiences buzzing about one of 2026’s most compelling crime thrillers.
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Crime 101: A Heist Thriller for the Modern Era
Crime 101 represents a deliberate return to the sophisticated heist cinema of decades past—think The Thomas Crown Affair, Ocean’s Eleven, and classic Steve McQueen capers. Director Bart Layton told Esquire: “Obviously, who doesn’t love those movies? They were grown-up, intelligent, Saturday-night popcorn movies, and I definitely felt like, ‘Wouldn’t it be great to bring something of that back?'” The trailer, released on October 23, 2025, delivers on that promise, showcasing a stylish, character-driven narrative wrapped in high-stakes action and moral ambiguity.
Set against the sun-bleached grit of Los Angeles, the film follows an “elusive thief whose high-stakes heists unfolding along the iconic 101 freeway have mystified police.” The narrative weaves together three intersecting storylines—the thief pursuing his final score, the insurance broker caught at her own crossroads, and the detective determined to solve the case. As the multimillion-dollar heist approaches, the line between hunter and hunted begins to blur, creating tension that reviewers have already praised as “incredible” and “stylish, tense, and morally ambiguous.”
Cast: A Dream Team of Hollywood Talent
Chris Hemsworth stars as Mike Davis, the master jewel thief at the heart of the film. Hemsworth told Esquire about his character: “He’s a good guy in a situation doing bad things. There was such a vulnerability to the character that we were trying to explore, in order to have an audience side with him.” Hemsworth brings a distinctly different energy than typical heist movie protagonists—his character is described as “edgier than the typical suave heist leader,” marked by “brutal, fast, and impulsive” action rather than calculated elegance.
Halle Berry portrays Sharon Colvin, the disillusioned insurance executive who becomes entangled in Davis’s world at a critical moment in her own life. The Oscar-winning actress brings nuance to a character facing her own existential crisis, creating compelling dynamics as her character agrees to collaborate on a multimillion-dollar heist targeting her own company. Mark Ruffalo delivers what appears to be a powerhouse performance as Detective Lou Lubesnick, the relentless law enforcement official pursuing both criminals. A pivotal moment in the trailer features an intense car scene where Ruffalo’s detective, unknowingly, shares a ride with Hemsworth’s thief—a tense exchange reminiscent of the Vulture-Spider-Man conversation in Homecoming.
The supporting cast includes Barry Keoghan (MCU’s Eternals), Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nick Nolte, and Tate Donovan, creating a powerhouse ensemble. The trailers showcase these actors in compelling supporting roles that elevate the film’s ensemble appeal and dramatic weight.
Plot: Three Lives, One Heist, Infinite Consequences
Crime 101 follows Mike Davis as he plans his final, career-defining heist along the 101 freeway in Los Angeles. Davis operates under a personal code—he steals only what insurance policies will cover, avoiding violence and harm to innocent bystanders. However, his carefully constructed world collides with Sharon Colvin, a vice president at an insurance company facing her own personal and professional crossroads. Together, they plan to steal $11 million, with Sharon demanding a $3 million cut.
The trailer reveals that Detective Lou Lubesnick begins noticing a “pattern” in Davis’s criminal activities and closes in on the operation. The cat-and-mouse dynamic intensifies when Lou, unaware of Davis’s true identity, finds himself in a car driven by the very thief he’s hunting. As the heist approaches, characters confront an existential question about how much time remains for them to reassess their lives and make final choices. Sharon asks Davis: “What makes this job different? Why are you willing to break every rule you’ve ever lived by?” Davis responds: “There comes a time when you don’t have as much time as you thought you had.” The film explores themes of mortality, legacy, and the cost of ambition across all three main characters.
Director Bart Layton’s Vision
Bart Layton, known for his acclaimed work on documentaries and thrillers like American Animals and The Imposter, brings his signature style to Crime 101. Layton co-wrote the screenplay with the source material’s author, Don Winslow, creating a narrative that balances psychological depth with high-octane action. Layton’s approach emphasizes character-driven storytelling over spectacle, focusing on moral ambiguity and the “existential crisis” facing each protagonist.
Producer notes describe Crime 101 as capturing “a gritty, character-driven ride that blends the glamour of Ocean’s Eleven with the grit of The Town.” Layton’s filmmaking style, combining documentary-like realism with thriller tension, promises viewers an intelligent, grown-up entertainment experience reminiscent of classic heist cinema while delivering contemporary sensibilities about morality, identity, and personal reckoning.
Official Trailer and First Impressions
The official Crime 101 trailer was released on October 22-23, 2025, and is available on YouTube. The three-minute trailer opens with Sharon approaching Mike on a roadside, remarking that she’s “good at reading people.” The preview showcases Mike recruiting Sharon for heists by assessing high-value targets within her insurance company, establishing their unlikely partnership. The trailer then transitions to intense action sequences—car chases, daylight shootouts, and high-stakes robberies—before revealing the central tension: Detective Lou Lubesnick closing in on the operation.
Viewers have hailed the trailer as “incredible,” with one reviewer noting: “The exchange in the car near the end is immaculate and reminded me a little bit of the Vulture and Spider-Man conversation in Homecoming. This, I MUST SEE! Plus, I love the play on words, Crime 101.” The trailer’s reception suggests strong audience appetite for sophisticated heist cinema with character depth, particularly given the recent real-world Louvre heist that captured global attention.
You can watch the official Crime 101 trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5y-cziwmMw
Release Date and Production Details
Crime 101 is scheduled to hit theaters exclusively on February 13, 2026, through Amazon MGM Studios. The film is produced by Working Title, RAW, Wild State Production, and The Story Factory. With a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes, the film promises an immersive experience that draws audiences deep into its world. The screenplay adaptation maintains the essence of Don Winslow’s acclaimed novella while expanding certain narrative elements for cinematic storytelling.
For audiences seeking intelligent, character-driven heist cinema with A-list talent and sophisticated storytelling, Crime 101 represents a compelling theatrical event. The film arrives after years of streaming-dominated content, positioning itself as a theatrical experience worth the big-screen treatment. With its blend of action, moral complexity, and stellar ensemble cast, Crime 101 is poised to become one of 2026’s most anticipated crime thrillers.