No Ordinary Heist Review: A Belfast True-Crime Thriller That Lacks Power and Vision
Eddie Marsan and Éanna Hardwicke lead the cast in No Ordinary Heist, a Belfast-set true-crime thriller based on real events from 2004. Despite the gripping potential of its premise—a massive bank robbery involving millions in used bank notes—the film ultimately feels underpowered and apologetic, failing to deliver the splashy, top-tier feature it could have been.
Clumsy Assembly and Bland Direction Undermine the Story
Directed by Colin McIvor, whose background in TV and low-budget comedies doesn't translate well to the thriller genre, No Ordinary Heist is clumsily assembled and blandly directed. The film struggles to build tension or momentum, leaving viewers with a sense of missed opportunities. The real-life events of 2004, which involved a sophisticated heist where bank notes were disguised as rubbish before Christmas, deserved a more dynamic and visionary approach.
Eddie Marsan's Casting Raises Questions
Eddie Marsan, a renowned character actor, takes on the role of Richard Murray, an uptight bank manager forced to cooperate with robbers after his wife Celine (Eva Birthistle) is kidnapped. While Marsan does a commendable job with the Belfast accent, his recessive presence makes him an odd choice for the part. One can't help but wonder why a local actor wasn't cast instead, especially given the film's specific setting.
Éanna Hardwicke, as security guard Barry, delivers a more dynamic performance. Both characters have loved ones held captive, compelling them to pack up millions in used notes. The robbers themselves are largely undifferentiated, though JB Moore stands out as a skeevy character guarding Barry's mother (Andrea Irvine), adding a touch of menace to the proceedings.
Missed Opportunities in Themes and Subplots
The film hints at deeper themes, such as the robbers' possible IRA connections and the lingering shadows of the Troubles in Northern Ireland's past. However, these elements are only faintly suggested, with the tension between past and future largely unexplored. Similarly, a subplot involving bank staff redundancies before the holidays, which interests security chief Mags (Michelle Fairley), is left hanging, wasting Fairley's talent.
These rich seams could have been mined more thoroughly to add depth and complexity to the narrative. Instead, the film feels like it lacked both the budget and the vision to make the material sing, resulting in a most ordinary work.
Conclusion: A Disappointing Take on a Real-Life Heist
In the end, No Ordinary Heist fails to capitalize on its true-crime foundation. While Marsan and Hardwicke perform adequately, the film's underpowered execution and missed thematic opportunities leave it feeling bland and unremarkable. For those seeking a gripping thriller about a massive bank robbery, this Belfast tale may not deliver the excitement or depth expected.
No Ordinary Heist is scheduled for release in UK and Irish cinemas from 27 March.
