Greetings again from the darkness. For anyone who grew up watching the gritty, street-smart films of the 1970’s, this one from actor-turned-writer/director Noah Segan will feel like it’s one you missed back in the day. From the characters to the plot to the music to the ending, this one feels so familiar, while also taking us on a tour of the boroughs that make up New York.
The always interesting (and underrated) John Turturro stars as Harry, the titular pickpocket. We learn so much about Harry in the opening scenes, which is important since the film plays much like a character study. Not only is Harry skilled at his (criminal) trade, but technological advances have turned him into a dinosaur. The cold cash he needs has been replaced by chipped credit cards, easily traced smart phones, and even the few remaining non-smart watches aren’t built to the standards of yesteryear. We also learn that beyond his profession, Harry’s basically a decent fellow (he puts stolen wallets in mailboxes), and he provides regular loving care for his non-communicative and disabled partner Rosie (Karina Arroyave, “24”). His fence is a longtime friend named Ben (Steve Buscemi), who runs a pawn shop, and Harry is even on friendly terms with the local detective (Giancarlo Esposito, “Breaking Bad”) who is coasting through his final year before retirement. The world in which all three men made their way is little more than a fading memory.
The gym bag inside a renovated classic car provides Harry with some good and bad – a huge wad of cash as well as a gun that he immediately dumps. The cash should have been a tipoff, yet we understand that his tech blind spot prevents him from recognizing the included USB card as a digital locker … which also happens to put the owner on his track. That owner is an energetic twenty-something punk named Dylan (Will Price, ELEANOR THE GREAT, 2025) who happens to be part of a connected family, meaning that digital locker contains access to big time money. It doesn’t take long for Dylan to find Harry and make the expected threats if he doesn’t return the locker. This starts the countdown and puts Harry on the streets trying to recover the card.
Turturro and his overcoat are mesmerizing to watch and listen to as the story takes us through the streets and shops of the boroughs. Those from New York will recognize much, while others will appreciate Harry’s journey. It’s a journey that includes a stop off to see his long-estranged daughter (Tatiana Maslany, “Orphan Black”) who is not thrilled to see him, and a previous ‘associate’, Eve (Victoria Moroles, “Teen Wolf”) whose computer skills come in quite handy. We also get a kick out of Harry having the worst sense of direction for any New Yorker in history.
The ending sequence features a philosophical discussion with a key member of Dylan’s family played by Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis. Director Segan also earns brownie points and respect for the manner in which the ending is handled. Cinematographer Sam Levy works wonders capturing Harry on the streets, as well as the more intimate moments that create tension. Gary Lionelli’s score fits the era beautifully, including soft jazz in the scenes with Harry and Rosie. The decision to end the film with Cole Porter’s “I Happen to Like New York”, sung by Bobby Short, left me wanting to re-watch the film as soon as possible … this despite the lingering message that eventually we must all make way for the next generation.
Opens in theatres on October 30, 2026
