A Star Duo and a Subdued Supporting Role
‘The Criminals‘ features Theo James and Aaron Taylor-Johnson at the forefront, leading the action. Sam Worthington appears in a more limited supporting role—blink and you might miss him.
An Explosive Setup
Aaron Taylor-Johnson's character, Tranter, is in charge of defusing a World War II bomb buried at a construction site. For safety, he orders an evacuation of about half a mile (roughly 800 meters) around the danger zone. The result: a patch of London left completely empty, setting the stage for Karalis (played by Theo James) and Sam Worthington's character to pull off a daring bank heist in a now quiet city block.
Mounting Tension and Unstable Alliances
Director David Mackenzie creates a tense atmosphere that ignites the film. He draws a sharp contrast between two groups: Tranter's team feels the constant threat of an explosion hanging over them, while Karalis's group executes the heist with disciplined precision—until an encounter with police throws their plans into chaos.
Both groups rely on skilled members and advanced equipment, including a device that can stop the bomb's detonation and a sizable drill to break into the bank vault. Questions swirl about the true origin of the bomb: some in the film suggest it may not be a relic from World War II at all, raising the possibility that the bomb itself is part of a sophisticated diversion.
Act One Hooks, But the Finish Disappoints
Sam Worthington's role is quite small, similar to his previous appearance in a 2025 David Mackenzie film, ‘The Intermediary.' The film opens strong, with a promising setup and building suspense. But as the story moves into its second act, things grow murky. Karalis becomes mired in tangled lies and complex situations. The narrative shifts away from tight suspense, losing clarity and momentum. By the third act, the film delivers a rushed conclusion and a sudden happy ending that, surprisingly, seems to endorse the terrorists’ actions—an ending likely to leave some viewers uneasy.
‘The Criminals' makes a strong start with its tension, intriguing premise, and talented cast, but struggles to balance its plot twists and moral complexity, ultimately faltering in its final moments.
