Heist

Joe Moore loves the life of a thief, chasing the rush of a clean getaway. When a security camera catches him in the act, his luck shifts. The fence he relied on, Bergman, refuses to payout, and Moore suspects his wife might be secretly involved with Bergman’s ambitious lieutenant. Left with nothing but debts and suspicion, Moore, his steady partner Bobby Blane, and their hired hand Pinky Pincus scramble to survive. Betrayal circles them as the crew tries to stay one step ahead of a tightening net. Then Moore pushes everyone toward one last job, hoping to seal their fate with one big score. The plan hinges on trust that proves brittle. They realize the score may cost them everything.

Directed by David Mamet, this film adapts his own stage play into a tense crime drama. It stars Gene Hackman, Danny DeVito, Delroy Lindo, Sam Rockwell, and Rebecca Pidgeon, with Mamet's brisk dialogue. Production favors harsh practical settings over spectacle.

Box office numbers show a modest performance, with worldwide earnings around 28.5 million against a 35 million budget. The film aimed for sharp, adult thrillers rather than broad blockbuster appeal. That choice made it a niche pick for some fans.

Fans of Mamet praise the film for its sharp dialogue and the uneasy trust among a crew on the edge. It never sparked a catchphrase or trend, but it remains a clear example of Mamet turning a heist into dialogue driven tension, and invites repeat viewings for deeper clues later.

Critics offered a mixed reception, noting the strong cast and Mamet's tight, spoken rhythm while flagging pacing and tonal unevenness. The film interrogates loyalty and profit, exposing how greed and fear corrode trust when the stakes rise. The result is a conversation heavy thriller rather than a slam bang caper.