“Mesmerising” crime thriller hailed as a “classic” debuts with 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating

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Critics are calling John Turturro’s new crime thriller “mesmerising” before it even hits theaters. The film, The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this week (January 27th) and has already earned a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 13 reviews.

The film features John Turturro, known from Severance, playing Harry, a classic con artist in New York City. However, his talent for pickpocketing isn’t as effective now as it used to be.

Things are different for Harry now, according to a synopsis from Sundance. It’s 2025, and the loot from his jobs isn’t what it used to be. Instead of cash, he’s dealing with traceable phones, digital wallets full of credit cards, and gym bags containing both cryptocurrency and weapons.

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The Only Living Pickpocket in New York is a wistful look at a con artist struggling to adapt to our modern, connected world as he faces the end of his career.

Okay, so I just finished watching this movie directed by Noah Segan, and honestly, it’s awesome. Awards Buzz called it a really cool tribute to New York City, and Variety went even further, saying it feels like one of those hidden gem New York classics you stumble upon. It’s got a vibe, you know?

I’ve been reading a lot about the new movie, and everyone’s really hyping up John Turturro’s performance! FandomWire actually said it was one of the best things he’s ever done. Here’s a quick rundown of what other reviewers are saying…

Deadline

Harry, like the film The Only Living Pickpocket In New York, feels like a classic from another era. It’s a quiet, captivating, and somewhat sad movie that feels carefully assembled rather than simply made.

The Hollywood Reporter

Turturro delivers a quietly powerful performance in what many consider his finest work in recent years. He plays a man of integrity who, despite a life filled with disappointments and feeling increasingly obsolete, maintains his grace and self-respect.

The Guardian

This film is a heartfelt homage to many things – a particular city, a specific era, a movie style, a certain way of thinking, and even actor John Turturro himself. Though similar stories have been told before, it’s enjoyable to revisit this familiar ground.

IndieWire

Turturro doesn’t need costumes or makeup to make his character believable. Because Harry doesn’t talk much, the success of the performance depends on Turturro’s body language and the emotions he conveys internally, and he handles both aspects beautifully.

The Only Living Pickpocket in New York does not yet have a release date.

Okay, so I just grabbed the latest issue of Living Legends, and it’s completely dedicated to Taylor Swift! It’s a really cool, full-color magazine with 100 pages all about her. You can pick it up at any newsagent or order it online for only £8.99 – definitely worth checking out if you’re a Swiftie like me!

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2026-01-30 22:19