New heist drama ‘Steal’ electrifies the screen with moral quandaries
Armed robbers, adorned with eerie facial prosthetics, have stolen £4 billion from a pension fund investment company, thrusting office worker Zara Dunne into a whirlwind of intrigue and danger. As the details of the crime unfold, it appears that Zara, played by Sophie Turner, may have played a more significant role than initially perceived, reports BritPanorama.
Prime Video’s Steal has drawn inevitable comparisons to the series Industry, given its setting in London’s banking district and its portrayal of young adults navigating immense financial risks. While it may not reach the dizzying heights of its predecessor, Steal carves out its own niche, employing an action-thriller energy that allows it to bypass the long shadow of Industry.
The series masterfully weaves together the motivations of various groups, from the criminal gang to the police and MI5. Notably, it manages to balance thrilling plot twists with substantial emotional storytelling, making it accessible even to viewers with a limited appetite for action-focused narratives.
Zara’s tumultuous relationship with her narcissistic mother, Hayley, played by Anastasia Hille, adds depth to her character without resorting to clichés. A line from Zara highlights her complexity: “I’m not Zara the survivor, I’m a f**k-up on my own terms.”
Furthermore, Zara’s complicated alliance with DCI Rhys Covac, portrayed by Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, introduces an array of morally ambiguous dilemmas—especially as the stolen billions resurface in connection with dubious tax havens. As her colleague Milo articulates, “This isn’t just a heist anymore, this is something else.”
The aftermath of the heist has raised significant ethical concerns, particularly as cash is apparently funneled through questionable accounts owned by public figures. This development incites public outrage, further prompting debate about the ethics of wealth: Is it acceptable to steal from a faceless fund if no one is directly harmed? And on the opposite side, how do we justify the enormous bonuses that some individuals receive, while others evade paying taxes owed?
While these questions may seem somewhat adolescent, they are deftly navigated as the story progresses. Despite its neatly wrapped conclusion, which some may find overly tidy, Steal has previously offered moments of genuine moral complexity that resonate with the audience.
Nonetheless, the show concludes with a sense of satisfaction, as the various narrative threads are tied together effectively. Thanks to Turner’s compelling performance, Steal retains its emotional core and credible complexity, making it a noteworthy addition to contemporary drama on Prime Video.
‘Steal’ is streaming on Prime Video.
