LA Heist Film 'Crime 101' Draws Inspiration from 'Heat'

Writer-director Bart Layton's latest crime thriller features an unsubtle nod to the Michael Mann classic.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The new film 'Crime 101' follows a jewel thief named Davis (Chris Hemsworth) and the LAPD detective Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo) who is trying to catch him. The movie borrows heavily from the plot and themes of the 1995 crime epic 'Heat', including the complex relationship between the criminal and the cop. However, the film's dialogue and character development lack the nuance and subtlety of its inspiration, resulting in an overstuffed but still entertaining crime drama.

Why it matters

The enduring influence of 'Heat' is evident in the number of filmmakers who have tried to capture the same magic of the Michael Mann classic. 'Crime 101' is the latest attempt, though it struggles to match the depth and complexity of the original. The film's examination of Los Angeles' wellness culture as a thematic backdrop is an interesting angle, but the execution falls flat.

The details

In 'Crime 101', Chris Hemsworth stars as Davis, a meticulous jewel thief who is being pursued by LAPD detective Lou Lubesnick, played by Mark Ruffalo. The film follows their cat-and-mouse game, with Davis planning one last big heist and Lubesnick determined to take him down. The movie features several nods to 'Heat', including a love interest for Davis (Monica Barbaro) who mirrors the role of Eady in the Mann film, and a chaotic upstart criminal (Barry Keoghan) who disrupts Davis' carefully laid plans.

  • The film is based on a 2020 novella by author Don Winslow.
  • 'Crime 101' was written and directed by Bart Layton, who previously made the 2018 art heist thriller 'American Animals'.

The players

Chris Hemsworth

An Australian actor known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well as films like 'Rush' and 'Thor'.

Mark Ruffalo

An acclaimed American actor who has starred in films such as 'Spotlight', 'Shutter Island', and the Marvel Avengers movies as Bruce Banner/Hulk.

Bart Layton

A British filmmaker who directed the acclaimed 2018 true crime film 'American Animals' and now helms 'Crime 101'.

Don Winslow

An American author whose 2020 novella served as the basis for the film 'Crime 101'.

Michael Mann

The acclaimed director of the 1995 crime drama 'Heat', which 'Crime 101' draws heavy inspiration from.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Everything is on the surface, characters state the obvious, and the dialogue has the delicacy of a sledgehammer.”

— Katie Walsh, Film Critic (Tribune News Service)

“Layton maintains a simmering tension throughout this twisty game of cops-and-robber-and-robber with a commitment to gritty SoCal location shooting, a few bang-up action sequences and nifty reveals.”

— Katie Walsh, Film Critic (Tribune News Service)

What’s next

The film is set to have its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2026.

The takeaway

While 'Crime 101' may not reach the same heights as the Michael Mann classic it emulates, the film still offers a solid crime drama with strong performances and stylish direction. However, the lack of subtlety in the script and character development prevents it from truly standing out in the crowded genre.