Critics Call Chris Hemsworth Heist Thriller "The First Great Film of 2026"

Early reactions are in for Crime 101, and critics have praised the new heist thriller, with some naming it the first great film of 2026. The embargo on early reactions was lifted ahead of the film's release, and reviewers highlighted the film’s craft, tight writing and crowd-pleasing approach.

Chris Hemsworth stars as Mike Davis, a Los Angeles jewel thief who strikes along Route 101 and plans his biggest theft, putting him on a collision course with Halle Berry’s insurance broker Sharon Colvin and Mark Ruffalo’s Detective Lou Lubesnick. The film also features Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Nick Nolte, and was written and directed by Bart Layton as an adaptation of a Don Winslow novella.

Early commentary compares the film to Michael Mann’s Heat as well as Thief, Collateral, Out of Sight and Drive, noting its moody, immersive Los Angeles atmosphere. Crime 101 opens in theaters on February 13, 2026, and is listed with a runtime of 140 minutes.

crime 101, chris hemsworth, mike davis, route 101, halle berry, sharon colvin, mark ruffalo, detective lou lubesnick, barry keoghan, monica barbaro, corey hawkins, jennifer jason leigh, nick nolte, bart layton