Bart Layton’s Crime 101 has all the ingredients of a modern crime classic: a stacked cast led by Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry, and Barry Keoghan, gorgeous California locations, and a basic jewel-heist hook. While it never quite reaches the heights of Layton’s previous movie (see: the masterful American Animals), his script still entertains, becoming a character-driven thriller worth checking out. Based on Don Winslow’s novella, it may serve especially potent for fans of slow-burn crime dramas. Now on stunning 4K, the release is tragically barebones, but the movie itself is anything but. Crime 101 manages to overcome a relatively generic storyline by way of strong performances and great characterization from its ensemble cast.
Davis (Chris Hemsworth) is a meticulous jewel thief who has built a reputation for operating under an unwritten code: work alone, never leave evidence, and never resort to unnecessary violence. His carefully controlled world begins to unravel when the reckless Ormon (Barry Keoghan) gets hired to take over neglected jobs. Live wire Ormon leaves behind chaos that catches the attention of veteran detective Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo), convinced the robberies are all connected. As rival criminals, detectives, and shifting alliances collide, Davis finds himself caught up in one final score that could greatly impact his potential future.
Crime 101 rarely functions as a traditional heist movie. The robberies themselves almost feel secondary to the characters. Bart Layton is far more interested in exploring the people behind the crimes than delivering elaborate Ocean’s Eleven-style set pieces. That approach certainly gives the film more emotional weight, but also means that anyone expecting a nonstop thriller may leave wanting more thrust to their caper.
Chris Hemsworth delivers one of his quieter performances, portraying Davis with a cool confidence that rarely slips beneath the surface. Halle Berry brings warmth to Sharon, an insurance broker frustrated with her career. The MVP here is actually Barry Keoghan. The fan favorite actor (Saltburn, The Banshees of Inisherin) injects much-needed unpredictability every time Ormon appears. Once he enters the story, the movie noticeably shifts gears. Ormon’s erratic energy leads to a standout car chase between Davis and Ormon, delivering a strong dose of adrenaline.
Unfortunately, the various detective investigations, criminal conspiracies, and an unnecessary romance subplot never fully come together. At times, Crime 101 tries too hard to juggle different tones and stories, coming off fractured rather than meticulously plotted. Layton’s previous film remains sharper, more inventive, and ultimately more memorable. American Animals is one of the best heist movies ever made. Crime 101 is a perfectly enjoyable crime thriller, but fails to leave much of an impression beyond the initial watch.
Presented in native 4K with Dolby Vision, Crime 101 looks great in the format. Sun-drenched scenery stands out to supplement the film’s atmosphere, and does much of the heavy lifting. Dolby Vision helps maintain strong contrast and deep black levels during numerous nighttime sequences. The cinematography opts for a natural palette rather than flashy colors, and the transfer faithfully preserves this, though it can feel a little too dark at times. The special features are sadly nonexistent—a shame, considering Bart Layton’s process in making American Animals.
Crime 101 fails to reinvent the modern crime thriller, but remains an engaging watch anchored by strong performances—particularly Chris Hemsworth’s restrained lead turn and Barry Keoghan’s scene-stealing baddie. The heist elements could have been dialed up significantly, but there’s enough style to make the journey worthwhile.
Come pigs, come thieves for a lesson on Crime 101, now on 4K Blu-Ray.
