Though the title might suggest a unique twist on the action heist genre, it’s unfortunate that the only aspect that sets No Ordinary Heist apart is how dull it can be. It may boast its “based on a true story” relevance, but by heavily emphasizing the realism of this event, it limits the excitement factor to a crippling degree.
Setting up the dynamic at the bank, the clear goal of the opening is to lay out the disregard these two leads have for each other right out in the open. Richard Murray, the dutiful bank manager played by Eddie Marsan, and Barry McKenna, a favorite of the staff for his shenanigans and laid-back attitude played by Éanna Hardwicke, don’t quite agree with each other. Richard considers Barry a liability to the bank while Barry feigns respect for Richard’s leadership.
This meager conflict suddenly becomes heightened when assumed acquaintances of Barry’s hold both his mother and Richard’s wife hostage in an attempt to get them to rob the bank that employs them. An additional caveat placed ensures if one part of the duo fails, that person will be responsible for the death of the other’s loved one.
Though this action may seem tense, it’s a bit fumbled as we’re given no clear explanation of who these hostage-takers are and are given very unclear heist plans. The plan seems to revolve around sneaking money with the rubbish collection while cleaning out their safe (why is there so much rubbish in the safe?). The logic continues this way and remains just as frustrating.
From here, director Colin McIvor tries to infuse moments of tension, or the things that usually push a heist movie along. While managing a few tense scenes of near-misses, they become overtly repetitive, attempting to milk any remaining nerves out of a scenario we’ve already seen. How many times can our heroes quickly hide money as an employee enters and interrupts? Apparently, as many as it takes to fill ninety minutes.
When you’re Michael Mann’s Heat, you can afford to spend some time with McCauley or Lt. Hanna outside of the action because you have compelling and complicated characters. No Ordinary Heist does not have that luxury. Plenty of time gets wasted on simple, procedural tasks like packing money into bags, getting carts into a truck, or even just waiting for phone calls. If it were met with some cinematic flourish or deeper character resonance, it might have an excuse, but the plain and drab cinematography and matching color palette aren’t doing any favors.
Thankfully, there are competent actors to do some of those favors. Eddie Marsan, who often depicts characters in or around a criminal underworld, nails this panic-driven state of mind and manages to carry the stakes for the entire film on his back. The other real standout would be Michelle Fairley’s stoic intensity as the only form of competent security at the Northern Bank. If you’ve seen any of Game of Thrones, you’ll instantly recognize the power of her icy stare.
There’s a compelling story about strained relationships, career devotion, and national instability within this real-world equivalent, but No Ordinary Heist doesn’t seem interested in that. The final shots before the ending tag involve the eventuality of this heist’s uselessness and manage to be the most provocative thing in the whole film. But the focus on specific character action instead of the legacy this event created feels like a waste. Ironically, this heist and this movie are far too ordinary to recommend.
No Ordinary Heist is now playing in select theaters and arrives on VOD on April 28, 2026.