Crime 101 (2026) is a crime/heist thriller directed by Bart Layton, adapted from Don Winslow's 2020 novella of the same name.
KEY DETAILS:
- RELEASE: Premiered in London on January 28, 2026; wide theatrical release (US and international, including cinemas in Lagos) on February 13, 2026 (Amazon MGM Studios distribution; later on Prime Video).
- RUNTIME: Approximately 2 hours 19–20 minutes (140 minutes).
- RATING: R (for violence, language, and crime themes).
- GENRE: Tense cat-and-mouse heist thriller set in Los Angeles, with high-stakes robberies, car chases, moral ambiguity, and comparisons to films like [HEAT (1995)].
PLOT SUMMARY:
An elusive, highly skilled jewel thief (Chris Hemsworth as Mike Davis) has executed flawless heists along the iconic U.S. Route 101 freeway for years, strictly following his personal "Crime 101" code (e.g., always have an exit, minimal risks/violence, no partners). He's planning one final, massive score to retire.
His path crosses with a disillusioned insurance broker (Halle Berry as Sharon Colvin), who's at a personal crossroads and gets pulled into the scheme. A relentless, pattern-obsessed detective (Mark Ruffalo as Lou Lubesnick) believes he's cracked the thief's methods and is closing in fast. As alliances form and rules are tested, tensions rise with blurred lines between hunter, hunted, and uneasy collaborators.
MAIN CAST:
- Chris Hemsworth → The calculated jewel thief
- Halle Berry → The sharp insurance broker turned reluctant ally
- Mark Ruffalo → The dogged detective
- Supporting: Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nick Nolte
It's positioned as a stylish, character-driven thriller with strong early buzz for its cast chemistry, suspenseful pacing, and cinematic feel. Trailers highlight the high-stakes chase and rule-breaking tension—perfect if you enjoy smart crime dramas.