Story: In this on-screen adaptation of Don Winslow's novella of the same name, an elusive jewel thief is preparing for his ‘walk away money’ heist worth $5.5 million. He teams up with a disillusioned insurance broker to pull it off, even as a Los Angeles detective closes in on him.
Review: The title may suggest a levelled-up crime caper, but the 101 here simply refers to Highway 101 in California. The jewellery stores and boutiques along the strip have been hit by a spate of high-end robberies. Detective Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo) is assigned to track the culprit, and he alone believes the crimes are the work of a 'lone wolf'. Enter Mike (Chris Hemsworth), who lives by one rule: never hurt anyone during a job.
After a freak incident during a robbery that threatens to expose his identity, Mike decides it’s time to quit. But not before pulling off one last high-profile score. His handler, Money (Nick Nolte), has other plans, roping in Ormon (Barry Keoghan), a psychotic, violent biker thug, to shadow Mike. Meanwhile, Lou inches closer to cracking the case. How Mike navigates this mounting double trouble forms the crux of the story.
A contemporary heist movie promises high-stakes chases, exaggerated action sequences, and elaborate mind games between adversaries. Writer-director Bart Layton’s outing eschews all these tropes. While many entries in the genre are slick and fast-paced, this one is languid, and its plotline occasionally borders on formula. Some sequences play out too leisurely. There are only a handful of chase scenes and high-octane moments. Yet the narrative will keep you invested thanks to its well-laid-out screenplay and direction. It’s an old-school thriller that doesn't limit itself to action and obvious cleverness.
Several plot threads are effectively woven in. Mike’s past blends seamlessly with his present, particularly through his relationship with Maya (Monica Barbaro). Another compelling element is the shared thread among its three leading characters – Mike, Lou, and insurance broker Sharon Colvin (Halle Berry). Beyond the robberies, they are united by being at the crossroads in their careers. Mike wants out for good; Sharon is repeatedly overlooked for promotion because of ageism; and a jaded, principled Lou no longer fits the aggressive mould of modern cop life.
Jacob Secher Schulsinger ensures crisp transitions, including a striking cross-cut sequence in which Mike and Lou prepare for the same event with entirely different motives. Blanck Mass’s score works perfectly for the thrilling sequences. The film’s second act feels long, but the final act picks up the pace.
Chris Hemsworth delivers a turn that is the complete opposite of a typical screen robber. His Mike is awkward and often nervous, a thief who struggles to make eye contact, yet sharp enough to pull off the most daring jobs. Mark Ruffalo brings quiet intensity, Halle Berry lends dignity to Sharon’s frustration, and Monica Barbaro adds warmth to the narrative. Each actor infuses relatability into their characterisation, which is a departure from the typical heist genre, yet believable within the world.
Despite uneven pacing, this throwback thriller will charm you with its storytelling, simplicity, and performances.