Crime 101 Moves Between Meditation and Mayhem
- Ummo
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Read our Film and TV writer Ummo’s latest review of the action ensemble film Crime 101.
I had the opportunity to watch Crime 101 in theatres last week, and my first thought was: ‘what a cast…’ followed by ‘wow, Halle Berry…’
As someone who loves heist films and puzzle-like narratives, whether it’s ‘whodunits’ like Knives Out or death games like Alice in Borderland, I went in expecting an entertaining crime thriller. What I didn’t expect was a film with genuine social commentary, which was pleasant!
Corruption 101
The film critiques the American justice system through a policeman (Mark Ruffalo) torn between pursuing the truth and finding convenient suspects to bring in. Meanwhile, Halle Berry plays a lawyer whose stalled career highlights racism, sexism, and ageism within corporate spaces. These elements add moral weight that many heist films intentionally avoid.
Finally, a memorable car chase scene
Even as someone who usually zones out during action scenes, I found these visually compelling. Strong editing and deliberate match cuts drew parallels throughout the movie, between new and old relationships, and between emotional tension and physical movement.
One car chase sequence, in particular, stands out as unforgettable. The juxtaposition of slow, meditative yoga scenes with brash, violent chase sequences creates a striking rhythm that sustains attention and highlights the film’s ability to balance restraint with intensity.
Okay, Barry, I wasn’t familiar with your game
Every time Barry Keoghan was on screen, he brought an unsettling intensity that kept the film unpredictable, especially as it shifted tones between humor, drama, and darker psychological tension.
In contrast, Chris Hemsworth felt comparatively flat, and his romantic subplot lacked emotional depth, feeling very manic-pixie-girl-meets-guy… I did like how we saw a bit of his personality at the end of the movie.
Although it’s no Ocean’s Eleven, Crime 101 distinguishes itself from the slopfest that is Netflix heist movies (think Lift, Red Notice, The Out Laws) through its strong cast performances, sharp visuals and moral nuance. Instead of glorifying the criminals, it leaves the audience with something more reflective: a quiet win for humanity rather than a flashy victory for the heist.
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