John Turturro Shines as Aging Pickpocket in 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York'

The fine-grained crime thriller from writer-director Noah Segan explores the changing face of New York City through the eyes of a small-time hustler.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 12:31am

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In writer-director Noah Segan's latest film, John Turturro delivers a magnificent performance as Harry Lehman, an aging and principled pickpocket struggling to adapt to a rapidly evolving New York City. As the analog past gives way to a digital future, Harry finds himself increasingly out of step with the times, forced to confront his own obsolescence when he unwittingly targets the wrong mark. Surrounded by a deep bench of impeccably cast supporting actors, including Steve Buscemi, Giancarlo Esposito, and Tatiana Maslany, Turturro's nuanced portrayal of Harry as an honorable hustler with a lifetime of regrets is the heart of this finely crafted crime thriller that pays loving tribute to the gritty New York of the past.

Why it matters

The Only Living Pickpocket in New York is a poignant exploration of the changing identity of New York City, as seen through the eyes of a small-time criminal whose way of life is being rendered obsolete by technological and societal shifts. The film's melancholic tone and Turturro's deeply empathetic performance capture the bittersweet push-pull that many longtime New Yorkers feel towards their rapidly evolving hometown.

The details

Harry Lehman is a skilled pickpocket who has been plying his trade on the streets and subways of New York for decades. While not exactly a Robin Hood figure, Harry has a sense of principle, using his ill-gotten gains to support the healthcare worker caring for his disabled wife Rosie and other members of his Bronx community. However, Harry's world is upended when he unwittingly steals from the wrong mark - the swaggering young scion of a crime family, Dylan, who threatens to harm Rosie if Harry doesn't retrieve a valuable USB drive containing cryptocurrency. Harry's frantic quest to protect his wife and make amends sets him on a collision course with the changing realities of New York, as he navigates a world that is increasingly leaving him behind.

  • Harry Lehman has been a pickpocket in New York City for decades.
  • The events of the film take place over the course of a single day as Harry races to retrieve the stolen USB drive.

The players

Harry Lehman

A skilled and principled pickpocket struggling to adapt to a rapidly changing New York City, played by acclaimed actor John Turturro.

Rosie Lehman

Harry's disabled wife, for whom he cares deeply and uses his ill-gotten gains to support.

Dylan

A swaggering young scion of a crime family who threatens Harry after he unknowingly steals from him.

Warren

Harry's detective buddy, played by veteran actor Giancarlo Esposito.

Kelly

Harry's estranged daughter, portrayed by Tatiana Maslany.

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What they’re saying

“Rarely does an opening song choice so precisely define the mood of a film like LCD Soundsystem's exquisitely tortured anthem 'New York, I Love You but You're Bringing Me Down' over the opening frames of writer-director Noah Segan's quiet knockout, The Only Living Pickpocket in New York.”

— David Rooney, Film Critic (The Hollywood Reporter)

“Turturro is unshowy but magnificent in his best film role in years, an honorable hustler who still carries himself with dignity despite a lifetime of regrets and a world gradually leaving him behind.”

— David Rooney, Film Critic (The Hollywood Reporter)

What’s next

The film is set to have its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2026, where it is expected to generate significant awards season buzz for Turturro's acclaimed performance.

The takeaway

The Only Living Pickpocket in New York is a poignant, finely crafted crime drama that uses the story of an aging pickpocket to explore the complex relationship between New York City's gritty past and its rapidly evolving present. Anchored by a magnificent performance from John Turturro, the film is a must-see for fans of character-driven genre storytelling and a love letter to the enduring spirit of the Big Apple.