Spoilers for Crime 101 are below!
Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, and Halle Berry star in Crime 101, a new heist movie. The film centers on Davis (Hemsworth), a talented thief planning one last big score before going into hiding. His plans lead him to Sharon (Berry), an insurance broker facing a life change who unexpectedly gets caught up in the heist, and Lou (Ruffalo), a determined detective hot on Davis’s trail. Adding to the complications is Ormon (Barry Keoghan), a dangerous former associate who also wants a share of the millions at stake.
Though Crime 101 is essentially a chase movie about a thief evading the police, it delves into complex moral questions. The detectives aren’t always trustworthy, which creates difficulties for Lou as he tries to be honest. Similarly, the criminals aren’t a noble bunch – while Davis has some principles, his partner is willing to betray him. The movie culminates in a last, ambitious heist where all the characters’ stories converge, and it offers some unexpected turns as the story concludes.
‘Crime 101’ Is a Lesson in Modus Operandi
Amazon MGM Studios
In the movie Crime 101, Davis is a highly careful thief who goes to great lengths to avoid leaving any DNA at the scene of his crimes. He plans everything perfectly, and even a small error can cause him to unravel, ultimately giving Lou a crucial lead in the investigation. As Lou looks into the robberies, he realizes the thief follows a distinct pattern: Davis carefully chooses his targets, knows exactly when and where to strike, disables security cameras beforehand, avoids harming anyone, and consistently uses the 101 freeway to escape.
Sharon, who always lived an honest life, suddenly finds herself learning about crime. She decides to help Davis with his plan because she feels undervalued and mistreated at work, constantly being denied a partnership. Sharon is key to Davis pulling off his biggest heist, but she’s inexperienced, so Davis, a seasoned thief, teaches her the ropes. This explains the double meaning of the title, ‘Crime 101’ – it refers to Davis educating Sharon in criminal activity, but also to the fact that Davis consistently uses the 101 freeway in his crimes, a pattern Lou has noticed.
Amazon MGM Studios
As a film fan, what really grabbed me about this movie wasn’t just the heist itself, but how everyone grew. Ormon, this young, impulsive thief, was a perfect foil to Davis’s careful planning – he definitely had some learning to do! But honestly, even Davis was on a journey. His relationship with Maya really opened his eyes, and he started to realize that a real connection meant more than any amount of money. It wasn’t just about him and the score, though. Sharon and Lou were changing too! Crime 101 is ultimately about all these characters figuring out what really matters to them, beyond just pulling off a job.
Wealth Comes in Many Forms
Amazon MGM Studios / Sony Pictures Releasing
In Crime 101, each character faces a different fate driven by their personal motivations and what they stand to gain. Sharon, determined to prove herself, found herself in a difficult situation but ultimately asserted her independence. She even received some financial compensation, a result of Lou’s own journey. Importantly, Lou orchestrated a clever operation that ensured Sharon avoided jail, effectively clearing her of any wrongdoing.
Lou’s journey takes an unexpected turn. He’s a dedicated officer, but set in his ways, which has caused problems with his superiors and is now contributing to his divorce. While many around him, including his partner, are involved in corruption, Lou consistently tries to do what’s right. When Sharon reveals Davis’s plans, Lou realizes following the rules won’t get him anywhere. During the final heist, after Ormon’s death and Davis abandons the money, Lou makes a calculated decision and keeps the diamonds for himself. After years of being punished for his honesty, he discovers that sometimes, crime does pay. It’s surprising to see Lou end up with the diamonds, but his repeated attempts to be a good cop, despite constant setbacks, make his decision feel justified.
Amazon MGM Studios/Sony Pictures Releasing
The movie positions Davis, played by Hemsworth, as the character viewers want to succeed in stealing the money. However, in the end, he only escapes with his life. He shoots Ormon to save Lou, and as a result, the detective allows Davis to go free. Lou takes the blame for the freeway robberies, framing Ormon and clearing Davis’s name. This satisfies Lou’s boss, providing a convenient story for the police and ensuring Davis has a chance at a fresh start. As a thank you, Davis gives Lou his prized muscle car.
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Throughout the movie, Davis intentionally keeps his past a secret, only hinting at a difficult childhood in foster care and the help he received from Nick Nolte’s character. Many details remain unclear until the very end, when he shares a childhood photo with Maya, revealing his vulnerability and hoping for a future with her. The film concludes with Maya leaving work, suggesting she’s going to meet Davis. Ultimately, Davis learns that true happiness can’t be bought, and his greatest desire is to win Maya’s affection.
Similar to classic crime films like Heat and Den of Thieves, Crime 101 offers a realistic and intense look into the world of cops and robbers, focusing on the people involved. While money is a driving force for the characters, the film takes a surprising turn, changing who ultimately benefits from the crime and offering a fresh take on the typical crime thriller.
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2026-02-15 05:06