No Sudden Move

Set in a city with a neon gloss and old-school crime undercurrents, a crafted plan to pull off a simple job spirals into a tangle of misdirections. A handful of criminals from different corners of the underworld are drawn into a setup that seems straightforward at first. As the plan unravels, they realize that every move invites suspicion, forcing them to improvise with limited information and even looser loyalties. Steven Soderbergh channels his crisp dialogue and lean plotting, keeping the suspense tight while tossing in sly humor. The ensemble performance gives each character a distinct edge, turning a routine heist into a maze of possibilities. The mood stays cool and detached, with wry exchanges that show character as much as motive.

Directed by Steven Soderbergh from an original screenplay by Ed Solomon, No Sudden Move was released in 2021. The film features an ensemble cast led by Don Cheadle, Benicio del Toro, David Harbour, Jon Hamm, and Ray Liotta, with tight production design and a crisp, retro vibe.

Box office numbers are modest, with most audiences drawn to streaming and limited theater play. The film found its audience among fans of brisk dialog and clever setups rather than spectacle, and its impact lives more in home viewings and word of mouth than in box charts.

While it didn't become a cultural phenomenon, the film stands out for its playful off-kilter humor and a multi-layered setup that rewards repeat viewings. It shows Soderbergh reworking crime tropes with a brisk modern edge, balancing wry dialogue with precise visual composition. For fans of smart dialogue, it's a rewarding late night watch.

Critics highlighted its brisk pace, sharp banter, and Soderbergh's penchant for tightly wound plots. The themes swirl around loyalty, deception, and the fragility of plans under pressure, delivered through a cool, noir-tinged lens and strong ensemble work. Some reviewers pointed to the movie's lean length as a strength that keeps the tension high.