Written and directed by British filmmaker, Bart Layton, the film is based on Don Winslow’s 2020 novella, Crime 101. Chris Hemsworth plays suave bank robber, Mike Davis. Driving around Los Angeles wearing his smart suit, black leather gloves, and sunglasses is a luxury look unappointed to such a dangerous role.
Unpredictable with his next target, Mark Ruffalo’s Detective Lou Lubesnick is determined to track down this relentless jewel thief who quietly terrorises unsuspecting jewel couriers along LA’s 101 freeway. But Mike is not the typical robber – he prefers a calm robbery over violence. But when situations ‘backfire’ he moves quickly to gain control over the situation again.
Crime 101 – Boiling Tension
Crime 101 feels inspired by Michael Mann’s Heat (1995) at times. Mike and Lou feel like an updated version of the cat-and-mouse game between Robert De Niro’s Neil McCauley and Al Pacino’s Lt. Vincent Hanna. In the diner scene where McCauley and Hanna finally meet – Mike and Lou receive the same treatment – just not in a diner though… Crime 101 feeds its audience with gradual tension like stepping stones until the ultimate showdown.
Along the way, details surrounding Mike’s childhood upbringing emerge and it gives insight into why he acts like this. In their own ways, Mike and Lou are not as different as they think. They may be on either side of justice but their relentlessness to do what they want carries through. Working under the tough duress of criminal boss, Money (Nick Nolte), Mike originally finds a father figure in him until he realises what he’s really like.
Nolte plays the villain with such a coy and sly demeanour that he doesn’t even need to say many lines for this to come across so strong. Although Mike’s job is on the line. Newcomer – the young and reckless recruit in ferocious biker, Ormon (Barry Keoghan) threatens to steal his spot. Mike has many obstacles against him at every turn he takes. This is where the boiling point for tension is constantly brewing over.
Likeable Protagonist & A Star-Studded Cast
But adding a softer and more emotional tone comes with Mike’s love life storyline. He falls for Maya (Monica Barbaro) – who works in publicity. Although an unlikely pairing at first, she makes Mike question his life of crime and lets him see his job from a different perspective.
Halle Berry plays arguably one of the best roles in her career in a standout performance as Sharon. Undervalued as a hardworking insurance broker, she resorts to working with Mike. Overcome with years of work for a company that doesn’t care about her sees female ageism play its part with a young new secretary, Madeleine (Crosby Fitzgerald) threatening to take over the dreams Sharon once believed in. Her boss Mark (Paul Adelstein) is truly playing with fire when it comes to Sharon’s fierce independence and years of built-up heat.
Berry is the hidden gem behind this film. Although a small role, Sharon is the key that joins Mike to gaining insider knowledge behind a huge $5.5 million diamond heist. It’s also always nice to see an independent female character on-screen who isn’t afraid to stick up for herself.
Chris Hemsworth brilliantly leads Crime 101 with an extremely likeable character in Mike. Despite being an anti-hero, his sympathetic rule to never hurt anyone during heists makes him a character to get behind.
Despite delving into illegal activity, Mike leads life with a kind internal compass, calm disposition, and good-natured charm. His straight poker face feels like all the emotion has faded from him due to his tough childhood. It’s his backstory that brings an understanding behind his stoic personality.
Crime 101 is streaming on Amazon Prime UK now.
Rating: 4 ½ Stars
Check out our other reviews like Whistle (2025) here.