The Only Living Pickpocket in New York Reviewed

John Turturro shines as an aging swindler in this jazz-infused ode to a bygone New York City

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:55pm

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In "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York", writer and director Noah Segan crafts a sentimental, humorous story about Harry, an old-school pickpocket struggling to maintain his dying craft in modern-day New York City. John Turturro delivers a magnificent performance as Harry, a lovable hustler who must resort to his illegal profession to care for his invalid wife. As Harry navigates the changing landscape of the city, the film becomes a bittersweet look at the loss of traditional skills and the erosion of community in the face of technological and generational shifts.

Why it matters

The film serves as a nostalgic commemoration of the New York City of yesteryear, using Harry's story as a lens to examine how the city has evolved and the impact it has had on long-standing professions and community dynamics. It also highlights the talents of veteran actor John Turturro, who brings depth and charm to the role of the aging pickpocket.

The details

When Harry swipes a wallet containing a valuable crypto key, he finds himself targeted by dangerous thugs who want the item back. As Harry tries to retrieve the key and avoid the consequences, the film showcases his masterful pickpocketing skills and the dwindling nature of his profession in a world increasingly dominated by digital transactions. The story also features Harry's interactions with other colorful characters, including a detective played by Giancarlo Esposito and a young, tech-savvy pickpocket played by Victoria Moroles.

  • The film is set in modern-day New York City.

The players

Harry

A skilled, old-school pickpocket who is the protagonist of the film, played by John Turturro.

Rosie

Harry's non-responsive, invalid wife, played by Karina Arroyave.

Noah Segan

The writer and director of "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York".

Detective Warren

A detective played by Giancarlo Esposito who interacts with Harry.

Eve

A young, tech-savvy pickpocket played by Victoria Moroles.

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What they’re saying

“There's a song-and-dance about Harry's remembrance of the good times, and spot-on comedy as Harry tries to catch up with civilization.”

— Matt Donato, Reviewer (IGN)

“Turturro's slippery maneuvers sell Harry as this masterclassman of his illegal profession, but once he's in over his head, his desperation hits like a semi-truck.”

— Matt Donato, Reviewer (IGN)

“Segan and his team succeed in authentically recreating the nooks and crannies of New York City.”

— Matt Donato, Reviewer (IGN)

What’s next

The film is expected to have a wider theatrical release following its Sundance Film Festival premiere.

The takeaway

"The Only Living Pickpocket in New York" is a charming and bittersweet exploration of how traditional skills and community dynamics are being eroded by technological and generational shifts in modern-day New York City, anchored by a standout performance from veteran actor John Turturro.