The Alto Knights

Two of New York's most infamous crime bosses, Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, square off for control of the city streets. Once close allies, their friendship dissolves as envy, calculations, and shifting loyalties push them toward a deadly confrontation that reshapes the underworld. The film follows their rise during a pivotal era, tracing how each move on the board triggers a chain reaction across neighborhoods, unions, and politics. As the pressure mounts, ordinary people caught in the crossfire must choose sides and face the consequences of a power struggle that echoes through the city's history. The Alto Knights asks how ambition redefines family, honor, and survival in a world where trust is scarce.

Directed by Barry Levinson and built around a concept from Nicholas Pileggi, The Alto Knights arrives with a classic crime pedigree. The 45 million dollar drama released in 2025 brings De Niro in a dual portrayal alongside a seasoned ensemble including Debra Messing and Cosmo Jarvis.

To date the film has not been announced for major nominations. Critics have noted the performances and Levinson's period detail, while industry chatter suggests interest in a wider release and potential awards campaigns should the title reach more markets. No formal awards have been confirmed yet at this stage.

Early talk around The Alto Knights centers on De Niro's dual role and the operatic feel of Barry Levinson's direction. The production design evokes mid century New York and lingers on the moral price of power, inviting conversations about legacy, memory, and how crime shapes a nation's identity. The making of the film has also sparked conversation about authenticity in period mob dramas.

Critics describe the film as a solid, old school crime drama that leans into character and atmosphere rather than flashy twists. The verdict in early crowds sits around a 6.265/10 average from 372 votes, signaling a mixed but engaged response to its history of loyalty, ambition, and betrayal for fans of the genre and scholars of American history.