Ridley Scottis a visionary director known for his striking and meticulously crafted films across numerous genres. While he’s widely recognized for sci-fi spectacles likeAlienandBlade Runner, and historical epics likeGladiator,he’s had a notable action-packed dip into cinematic crime. Scott’s crime dramas often focus on tense power struggles, moral dilemmas, and the high-stakes world of illegal enterprises. His 2007 filmAmerican Gangsterwas nominated for two Oscars for its gripping biographical drama of Frank Lucas, starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.
The award-winning director also helmedThe Counselor, a neo-noir crime thriller written by Cormac McCarthy, which explored the consequences of greed in the Mexican drug trade.Black Rainbrought Scott’s stylish visuals to a Yakuza crime story set in Japan, whileBody of Liesfollowed high-octane espionage in the Middle East with a tense, politically charged thriller. Across these stories,Ridley Scott’s movieshavestood out for their slick cinematography, complex characters, and unflinching portrayalof crime’s brutal realities.
Early Reviews Praise Ridley Scott’s Newest Crime Drama
The Scott-produced crime thrillerDope Thiefhas debuted with an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score ahead of its official release. Starring Academy Award nominee Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta) and Wagner Moura (Narcos), the eight-episode miniseries follows two Philadelphia conmen who pose as DEA agents to rob drug dealers. Their small-time grift takes a deadly turn when they unknowingly target a major cartel operation, launching them into a desperate fight for survival.Dope Thiefis set topremiere on Apple TV+ on March 15.
With 14 reviews and counting, the premiere season ofDope Thiefhas secured a hefty 86% audience scoreonRotten Tomatoes, signaling strong early buzz for the series. The score may fluctuate as more reviews are added. Based on Dennis Tafoya’s 2009 novel of the same name, the gritty crime drama falls under the action-packed vision of screenwriter Peter Craig (The Batman,Top Gun: Maverick). The cast ofDope Thiefalso features Marin Ireland, Kate Mulgrew, Nesta Cooper, Amir Arison, and Golden Globe winner Ving Rhames.
What This Means For Dope Thief
A Promising Start For Apple TV+’s Gritty New Drama
Early reviews have praised the performances of Henry and Moura, with their natural rapport driving much of the crime drama’s appeal. Ina review forDope Thief,ScreenRant’s Nadir Samara wrote, “From the opening moment when they reveal the hustle to the earth-shattering end of season one,these two actors bring their A-game,” giving the seriesa score of6 out of 10. Samara also pointed out that the show’s comedic flourishes may owe much to Henry’s production credit, who was nominated for an Emmy Award in 2016 for his leading role in the highly acclaimed FX comedy-dramaAtlanta.
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However,Dope Thiefis not without its faults,particularly inthe execution of its writing.“Craig was not so lucky,“Samara noted, referring to showrunner Peter Craig’s inability to fully establish a strong tonal blueprint, despite his successful work on films like Ben Affleck’s award-nominatedThe Town. Nonetheless, Henry and Moura’s performance as Ray and Manny, longtime friends locked in this intense cat-and-mouse game, appears to be just enough of a reason to tune in.
Our Take On Dope Thief’s Early Reviews
Henry And Moura Carry The Thrills
Dope Thiefhas all the makings of a standout crime thriller with strong lead performances, and an experienced creative team under Scott’s direction.The chemistry between Henry and Moura is undeniable, which is of no surprise considering their outstanding lead performances inAtlantaandNarcosrespectively. However, the lack of a clear theme in the storyline seems to hinder its durability inthe crime dramagenre, but as an intense and entertaining ride,Dope Thiefappears to be well worth the watch.
Dope Thief Joins Apple TV+’s Growing Crime Drama Slate
A Look At The Platform’s Biggest Hits
WithDope Thiefmarking another ambitious crime drama for Apple TV+, the streamer continues to expand its lineup of critically acclaimed thrillers. One of its most successful crime series isSlow Horses, an espionage drama adapted fromMick Herron’sSlough Housenovels. Debuting in 2022, the show follows a group of disgraced MI5 agents relegated to a department for failures, led by the sharp yet abrasive Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman).Slow Horsesremains a flagship series for Apple TV+, having been renewed for a fifth season with a sixth already confirmed.
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In 2024, Apple TV+ added two more crime thrillers to its slate, including the darkly comedicBad Monkeyand the tense detective dramaCriminal Record. Based on Carl Hiaasen’s novel,Bad Monkeystars Vince Vaughn as a disgraced former Miami detective who stumbles upon a bizarre criminal conspiracy. Created by Bill Lawrence,Apple TV+ has already confirmedBad Monkeyseason 2after earning a strong 93% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Starring award-winner Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo,Criminal Recordwas also renewed for season 2 in August 2024, after its debut earned a 90% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Though it aired as a limited series,Black Birdremains one of Apple TV+’s most acclaimed crime dramas. Based on James Keene’s 2010 memoir, the series starredKingsman’s Taron Egerton as Keene, a convict who goes on an undercover prison mission to extract a confession from a suspected serial killer (Paul Walter Hauser). With a 98% RT score, thetrue story ofBlack Birdrivals the critical success ofSlow Horses. While it won’t return, Egerton has since led the platform’sTetrisbiopic, with co-star Hauser appearing inThe Afterpartyseason 2.
Dope Thief
Cast
Dope Thief follows two lifelong friends from Philadelphia who impersonate DEA agents to commit a robbery, inadvertently stumbling upon a major narcotics corridor. The seemingly simple heist escalates into a critical situation, threatening their lives and unravelling their friendship against the backdrop of the East Coast drug trade.
