Crime 101 (2026) Crime Thriller – Feb 13
Crime 101 arrives as a slick, adrenaline-charged action crime thriller that blends intelligence, suspense, and star power. Running for 2 hours and 20 minutes, the film delivers a tightly wound cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and a criminal mastermind. Rated A (not suitable for children) and presented in 2D in English, this thriller is set to pull audiences deep into a world of calculated risks and dangerous ambitions. Tickets open February 13, 2026.
Story Overview
At the center of the story is Mike Davis, a highly skilled jewel thief whose daring robberies along the iconic 101 freeway have left investigators puzzled. His operations are precise, disciplined, and eerily consistent with an unwritten criminal code known as Crime 101. Because of this pattern, authorities realize they are dealing with more than an ordinary criminal.
However, when Mike targets his most ambitious heist yet, things begin to shift. His carefully controlled plan unexpectedly intersects with Sharon Colvin, an insurance broker whose professional world collides with Mike’s criminal one. As their paths cross, the stakes grow higher, and personal motives begin to blur with professional duties.
Meanwhile, Detective Lou Lubesnick believes he has finally decoded Mike’s method. Determined and sharp-minded, Lou races against time to stop the next robbery before it happens. Consequently, the film builds a tense duel of strategy and intuition, where one wrong move could change everything.
Lead Cast and Characters
The film boasts an impressive ensemble, bringing depth and charisma to its layered narrative:
- Chris Hemsworth as Mike Davis – A disciplined, intelligent jewel thief with a strict personal code.
- Mark Ruffalo as Det. Lou Lubesnick – A seasoned detective obsessed with cracking the case.
- Halle Berry as Sharon Colvin – An insurance broker drawn into the unfolding crime.
- Barry Keoghan as Ormon – A mysterious criminal figure operating in the shadows.
- Monica Barbaro as Maya
- Corey Hawkins as Det. Tillman
- Jennifer Jason Leigh as Angie
- Nick Nolte as Money
Each performance adds tension and emotional weight, ensuring the story remains character-driven as much as action-focused.
Direction and Creative Team
The film is directed and written by Bart Layton, who brings a grounded and realistic tone to the crime thriller genre. Moreover, the screenplay is based on Don Winslow’s work Crime 101, known for its sharp storytelling and crime realism.
Producers include:
Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Derrin Schlesinger, Dimitri Doganis, Bart Layton, Shane Salerno, Chris Hemsworth, and Ben Grayson.
Production and Distribution
Production Companies:
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Working Title Films, The Story Factory, Wild State, Raw
Distribution:
Amazon MGM Studios (United States & Canada)
Sony Pictures Releasing International (International)
With this strong production backing, the film carries both cinematic scale and narrative depth.
What Makes Crime 101 Stand Out
Unlike typical action thrillers, Crime 101 leans heavily into psychological tension and strategic storytelling. Instead of nonstop explosions, the film focuses on timing, discipline, and the mental chess match between hunter and hunted. Furthermore, the freeway setting adds a modern urban edge, making the backdrop feel both realistic and cinematic.
Final Take
Overall, Crime 101 promises an intense ride filled with clever plotting, morally complex characters, and gripping suspense. Because of its layered story and powerhouse cast, the film stands out as one of the most anticipated crime thrillers of 2026. If you enjoy smart action, strategic crime dramas, and edge-of-your-seat tension, this is one film you won’t want to miss.
