Apple TV+ is rapidly rising the ranks of unquestionably necessary streaming services for modern cinephiles. From Silo to Severance to The Studio, the online media platform has never been in a stronger position. Now, in comes Dope Thief, an intimately orchestrated narrative of emotion, vulnerability and forgiveness embroiled in a thrilling drug-fuelled chase. With an illustrious cast possessing a different take on a popular genre, what does Dope Thief bring to the platform?
Those familiar with the work of Brian Tyree Henry (The Eternals, Atalanta) will recognise his snarky, yet affable, persona from mere facial gestures. His inclusion in Dope Thief as Ray Driscoll, a down-on-his-luck small-time grifter, showcases a refreshingly raw talent rarely seen within Hollywood. Pained by haunting mistakes, Ray partners with lifelong friend Manny Carvalho (Wagner Moura) to make small-time drug busts whilst posing as DEA agents, stealing money and narcotics from unsuspecting drug dens. Aware their plans are not without risk, the pair attempt their largest heist yet, one that draws fatal consequences and exposes an undercover DEA operation within a sinister gang who will stop at nothing to secure what is rightfully theirs.
On the surface, Dope Thief appears as an intensely thrilling twist on the beloved cat-and-mouse genre. Yet underneath this is a delicately crafted social commentary on the struggles of addiction and the inability of ex-convicts to turn their lives around, often seeing a return to crime as their only option. Real-world parallels are established harrowingly quickly, with it being no secret that recidivism is rife in many modern societies, largely due to underfunding in welfare and prison systems. Whilst Ray and Manny are not good people, Dope Thief establishes them as vulnerable and desperate, which brings an emotional beat to the series, and their external relationships, that may be otherwise lacking due to their chosen field.
Individual character journeys evolve and intertwine seamlessly, allowing viewers to root for Ray and Manny guilt-free, despite the crime-ridden antics they become consistently involved in. Featuring romantic sparks, underlying mysteries and pulse-pounding action, Dope Thief can be considered a jack-of-all-trades series, but not in the absence of humour. Bordering being a dramedy, Henry does his best to push the boundaries. Sassy remarks and wit only grace the screen momentarily but provide a blissful ease to the audience's heart rates. Accompanying efforts from Ving Rhames and Kate Mulgrew provide an experienced touch, and familiar faces, that are welcome in each episode.
A magnetic cast and perfectly paced story leverage the Apple TV+ release to enticing heights, but brazen cinematography once again proves to be an unsung hero. Longer takes and purposely claustrophobic angles inspire flourishing tension and soaring heart rates that would terrify any Apple Watch confidants. Stakes within Dope Thief are never outlandish but provide a dangerous concern for its characters that will translate to audiences with ease, especially as the series progresses and becomes increasingly unpredictable.
Much of modern television struggles to maintain powerful energy in their final episode, unfortunately, this applies to Dope Thief too. A consistently energetic event powered by the unknown devolves into a flat finale that feels lacklustre. By no means does this ruin the series, but just as audiences expect a catastrophic boom, they're met with a middling whimper. However, audiences are granted enough action-packed moments to round off a largely brilliant series in a satisfying enough conclusion.
Overall, Dope Thief delivers a rollercoaster, drug-fuelled ride that continues a streak of success by Apple. Being nothing short of mesmerizing and emotional, the tech giant showcases once again why they are quickly becoming the definitive giant within the streaming industry. Each cast member brings their A-game, but Henry and Moura embody their characters to an extraordinary level and prove they could be played by no other.
Dope Thief is now available to stream on Apple TV+
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