Moviegoers in the Washington, DC area are in for a treat: on February 10, 2026, a free early screening of one of the year’s most anticipated thrillers, Crime 101, will take place at 7:00pm at Regal Majestic. The film, set to open nationwide on February 13, 2026, is already generating buzz thanks to its star-studded cast, taut storyline, and the pedigree of its creative team. According to Boxoffice Pro, Crime 101 is positioned as a major February release for Amazon MGM Studios, following in the footsteps of their earlier 2026 hit, Mercy.
Written and directed by Bart Layton, and adapted from Don Winslow’s acclaimed novella, Crime 101 boasts a cast including Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nick Nolte, and Halle Berry. The film’s premise is as gripping as its ensemble: set against the sun-baked backdrop of Los Angeles, it follows a legendary jewel thief whose daring heists along the iconic 101 Freeway have left police confounded and the criminal underworld in awe.
Chris Hemsworth takes on the role of Mike Davis, the elusive thief whose criminal exploits have become the stuff of urban legend. As described by Boxoffice Pro, Davis is “a clever jewel thief whose string of high-stakes heists along Los Angeles’ 101 Freeway has baffled police and made him a legend in criminal circles.” But when he sets his sights on what he hopes will be his final, career-defining job, he finds his path unexpectedly crossing with Sharon, played by Halle Berry—a disillusioned insurance broker at her own personal crossroads.
Berry’s Sharon is not just a bystander; she’s grappling with her own dilemmas, which force her into an uneasy alliance with Davis. The film’s synopsis, as reported by local DC media, notes that “the two must collaborate,” raising the stakes for both as they navigate a world where trust is scarce and danger is ever-present. Meanwhile, Mark Ruffalo’s detective Lou Lubesnick is hot on their trail, convinced he’s finally cracked the code behind the thief’s pattern. “Determined to crack the case, a relentless detective (Mark Ruffalo) closes in on the operation, raising the stakes even higher,” the synopsis reads.
As the multimillion-dollar heist approaches, the boundaries between hunter and hunted become increasingly blurred. Each character is forced to confront not only the cost of their choices but also the stark realization that, in this world, there’s no turning back. The tension between the three leads—Hemsworth’s calculating thief, Berry’s conflicted broker, and Ruffalo’s dogged detective—forms the heart of the film, promising audiences a suspenseful ride from start to finish.
The anticipation for Crime 101 is heightened by its creative pedigree. Bart Layton, who both wrote and directed the film, is known for his ability to blend documentary realism with genre thrills. The source material, Don Winslow’s novella, has been praised for its lean, propulsive storytelling and morally ambiguous characters. With Layton at the helm and a cast of this caliber, expectations are high that Crime 101 will deliver both style and substance.
This early screening is part of a wider effort to build word-of-mouth buzz ahead of the film’s official release. As noted in local DC event listings, tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with attendees encouraged to arrive early to secure their seats. The excitement is palpable: not only is this a chance to see a major Hollywood film before its general release, but it’s also an opportunity to witness some of cinema’s biggest names—Hemsworth, Berry, and Ruffalo—sharing the screen in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
Boxoffice Pro points out that Crime 101 is expected to perform well at the box office, particularly in the wake of Amazon MGM Studios’ recent success with Mercy, which debuted with a $10.8 million opening weekend and has already earned over $20 million domestically as of February 3, 2026. While projections for Crime 101 remain cautious, industry observers note its “large starry cast and a more action-oriented storyline” as key factors likely to draw audiences. The film’s release comes at a time when the domestic box office is described as “stable but hungry for fresh product,” with genre films and thrillers proving especially popular in the early months of the year.
Of course, Crime 101 isn’t the only major film hitting theaters this February. The month’s slate is packed with high-profile releases, each catering to different tastes. Sony’s GOAT (also releasing February 13) is an animated sports comedy inspired by NBA superstar Stephen Curry, featuring a story about a small goat with big dreams in a world of anthropomorphic athletes. Warner Bros. is offering a bold new adaptation of Wuthering Heights from director Emerald Fennell, starring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie as the doomed lovers Heathcliff and Catherine. This version is expected to focus more on the raw, emotional core of the story rather than its sprawling generational saga.
Later in the month, Lionsgate’s I Can Only Imagine 2 (February 20) revisits the true-life journey of MercyMe frontman Bart Millard, while Paramount’s Scream 7 (February 27) brings back Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox for another round of Ghostface-driven terror. Each of these films targets a distinct audience, but it’s Crime 101 that seems poised to capture the attention of those craving a smart, stylish thriller with genuine star power.
It’s not just the cast and premise that have people talking—it’s also the film’s atmosphere. Set against the “sun-bleached grit of Los Angeles,” as described in the local DC event preview, Crime 101 promises a visual and emotional intensity that’s rare in mainstream heist movies. The 101 Freeway, a character in its own right, provides both the backdrop and the pulse for the film’s action, grounding its high-octane set pieces in a distinctly Southern Californian milieu.
For fans of crime dramas, heist films, or just good old-fashioned suspense, Crime 101 is shaping up to be a must-see. The chance to catch it early, and for free, is a rare opportunity—one that’s sure to have DC-area movie lovers lining up at the Regal Majestic well before showtime. With its official release just days away, all eyes are on Bart Layton and his cast to see if they can deliver a thriller worthy of its title. The stakes, both on screen and at the box office, couldn’t be higher.
As the lights go down and the first images flicker onto the screen, audiences will find themselves drawn into a world where every choice matters, every alliance is fragile, and the line between right and wrong is as blurred as the Los Angeles horizon at dusk. One thing’s for certain: Crime 101 is about to make its mark.