Dope Thief Review: Brian Tyree Henry Owns Marvelous Apple TV+ Show

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A captivating fresh miniseries has made its debut on Apple TV+. Previous seasons, notably season 2 of Severance, have left subscribers in awe, and this trend continues with the introduction of new content that doesn’t disappoint. The intriguing crime drama series titled “Dope Thief” is their latest offering, featuring Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura as Ray and Manny, two friends who pose as DEA agents to raid drug operations, but instead keep the cash and narcotics for themselves. The show delves into the consequences of one such operation that takes a disastrous turn.

Streaming now on Apple TV+, the captivating first two episodes of “Dope Thief” offer a compelling narrative. The series has proven to be exceptional, with its character development standing out notably. Similar to critically acclaimed drug-themed shows like “Breaking Bad,” “Narcos,” and “Ozark,” this show kicks off with a riveting start, hinting at even more intriguing twists to come. The initial scene introduces us to Ray and Manny, and their rapport is instantly engaging. Although their specific past remains unknown, the way they interact suggests a history that spans years, and the acting brings every moment of it to life convincingly.

Undercover operatives pose as DEA agents and seize cash and drugs from suspects. However, it soon becomes clear they’re not who they claim to be, keeping viewers on edge. Their actions show remarkable intelligence, but the subjects of their operations are individuals best left untouched. The turning point occurs when Ray and Manny execute a drug raid on a major narcotics ring. The operation goes awry, resulting in casualties and injuries, and they overlook one crucial piece of evidence – a mistake that could prove fatal for them.

Ridley Scott, known for iconic films such as Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator, and Thelma & Louise, takes the helm for the first episode. A renowned filmmaker who’s been a staple of Hollywood for years, he pours his talent into this television debut. It’s a unique exploration into the world of TV directing, but with Scott at the helm, we can expect nothing less than stellar performances from the cast. Brian Tyree Henry, an actor I never tire of watching, shines brilliantly in this series. From Atlanta to the Spider-Verse movies, he’s a consistent powerhouse, and his performance here is truly remarkable.

Dope Thief is an outstanding creation born from extraordinary skill in camera work, acting, and writing, notably by Peter Craig whose name might not ring a bell immediately but upon deeper investigation, you’ll find he has penned numerous remarkable works recently. His impressive list of credits includes The Batman, Top Gun: Maverick, The Town, Bad Boys for Life, and two Hunger Games movies. He effectively transforms Dennis Tafoya’s novel into gripping television scripts that delve deeply into the characters.

The movie primarily focuses on Henry’s character, Ray, who is grappling with numerous challenges. His primary goal is to gather funds for the woman who nurtured him since childhood, and there’s a strong bond between them. In the beginning, it becomes clear that he suffered a loss during his youth, a void that continues to linger in his heart. Moreover, Ray had a tumultuous upbringing with an abusive father battling addiction, powerfully portrayed by Ving Rhames in one of his most compelling performances outside the Mission: Impossible series. Additionally, Ray is trying to maintain his sobriety, but it’s proving difficult, especially as he faces increasing anxiety and instability in his life.

As the events unfold, they become quite intense. The gunfights aren’t slick, glamorous Hollywood-style actions; instead, they feel raw and authentic. Neither Ray nor Manny are professional assassins, and both have loved ones they deeply care for. They find themselves in a predicament that escalates steadily, leaving them in a tight spot. The situation quickly becomes claustrophobic as they find themselves at the mercy of an unseen figure. He communicates through phones and walkie-talkies, but his intentions are clear – he’s seeking revenge. Despite not appearing physically in the first two episodes, his influence is palpable.

The visual effects are another standout aspect. Towards the end of episode 2, there’s a poignant scene at night where Ray stands outside a lawyer’s office. Despite its brevity, this moment is striking, partly due to the challenging day Ray has experienced, making it all the more beautiful. The scene is visually stunning, and as Ray enters the office and breaks down in tears, the series continues to impress. Henry delivers an exceptional performance, displaying humor throughout but also conveying immense stress. As his defenses crumble, this marks the first two episodes as a powerful, emotional experience that promises to become even more intense as new episodes are released in the coming weeks.

SCORE: 9/10

According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a score of 9 signifies “Excellent.” Such entertainment sits at the pinnacle among its peers, representing the benchmark that all creators aspire to achieve.

Disclosure: ComingSoon received screeners for our Apple TV+ Dope Thief review.

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2025-03-14 15:40