Trio of Troubled Professionals Seek Redemption in "Crime 101"

Film adaptation of Don Winslow's 2020 novella explores lives and careers that have hit a wall

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The film "Crime 101" (Amazon MGM) follows three main characters - professional thief Mike Davis, insurance broker Sharon Coombs, and detective Lou Lubesnik - who are all dealing with personal and professional crises. As Mike plans one final heist, he begins to see a way out for himself and also senses the despair of Sharon and Lou, leading to an unexpected intersection of their stories.

Why it matters

"Crime 101" explores themes of midlife crises, the emptiness of materialism, and the possibility of redemption, resonating with audiences who may be grappling with similar challenges in their own lives. The film's focus on flawed yet charismatic characters also highlights the human complexities behind criminal activities.

The details

Mike Davis (Chris Hemsworth) is a skilled thief who specializes in stealing precious stones and watches, using cunning rather than violence. He works for a character named Money (Nick Nolte) but decides to pull off one final heist on his own. Meanwhile, insurance broker Sharon Coombs (Halle Berry) is frustrated by the glass ceiling at her firm, while detective Lou Lubesnik (Mark Ruffalo) is struggling with a midlife crisis. As Mike's plan unfolds, he begins to see the parallels between his own despair and that of Sharon and Lou, leading to an unexpected intersection of their stories.

  • The film is an adaptation of Don Winslow's 2020 novella.
  • The events of the film take place primarily along the 101 freeway in Los Angeles.

The players

Mike Davis

A professional thief who specializes in stealing precious stones and high-end watches, using cunning rather than violence. He works for a character named Money but plans one final heist on his own.

Sharon Coombs

An insurance broker who works exclusively with wealthy clients, arranging policies to protect their valuables. She has hit a glass ceiling at her firm and is hoping to escape her glamorous but unfulfilling career.

Lou Lubesnik

A scruffy detective who is the first to catch on to Mike's pattern of thefts along the 101 freeway, but his superiors are more interested in clearing cases than taking him seriously. He is also struggling with a midlife crisis.

Money

The character who gives Mike a percentage of the proceeds from the thefts he carries out, but Mike decides he is getting a raw deal from Money.

Orman

A hyper-violent replacement selected by Money to take over Mike's role as the thief.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.