Chris Hemsworth leads 'Crime 101,' a gourmet popcorn heist movie

The film taps into a growing trend of morally complex thrillers exploring shades of grey

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The recent release of 'Crime 101,' starring Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo, is a sign of a growing trend in cinema: a fascination with complex characters operating in shades of grey. The film, praised for its sharp structure and performances, particularly Halle Berry's steely portrayal of an insurance broker, taps into a desire for narratives that move beyond simple decent versus evil.

Why it matters

Audiences are increasingly drawn to protagonists with flaws and questionable motives, as the film acknowledges systemic issues, hinting at the impact of sexism and racism, adding layers to the characters' motivations. 'Crime 101' consciously draws inspiration from classic crime films, continuing a tradition that explores the psychological depths of criminals and the flawed systems that pursue them.

The details

The success of 'Crime 101' highlights the importance of strong ensemble casts, with Mark Ruffalo's portrayal of the weary LAPD detective Lou and Halle Berry's nuanced performance as the insurance broker Sharon elevating the film beyond a typical heist story. The casting of Barry Keoghan as the ruthless Ormon, described as a 'rabid' wildcard, demonstrates a willingness to embrace unpredictable and unsettling characters. The film's icy metallic aesthetic, reminiscent of Michael Mann's work, contributes to an atmosphere of cool detachment and moral ambiguity.

  • The film 'Crime 101' was recently released.

The players

Chris Hemsworth

The lead actor in 'Crime 101,' playing the role of a master thief with a code.

Mark Ruffalo

The actor portraying the weary LAPD detective Lou in 'Crime 101.'

Halle Berry

The actress who delivers a steely performance as the insurance broker Sharon in 'Crime 101.'

Barry Keoghan

The actor who plays the ruthless and unpredictable character Ormon in 'Crime 101.'

Michael Mann

The director whose work, such as 'Collateral,' has influenced the visual style and atmosphere of 'Crime 101.'

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The takeaway

The success of 'Crime 101' reflects a broader trend in cinema, where actors are increasingly willing to challenge traditional genre conventions and explore morally complex characters operating in shades of grey. This shift towards psychological depth and social commentary in the thriller genre is likely to continue, offering audiences fresh perspectives on familiar tropes.