Directed by Christian Gudegast and co-written with Paul Scheuring, Criminal Squad stars Gerard Butler, Pablo Schreiber, and Curtis " 50 Cent " Jackson in an action thriller released in theaters in February 2018. The film, which centers on the clash between a gang of seasoned robbers and an elite unit of the Los Angeles Police Department, joins the Prime Video catalog on December 1, 2025.
Every day, the Federal Reserve Bank of Los Angeles destroys more than $120 million in cash. A gang of professional robbers decides to attempt the riskiest operation of their career: stealing this highly secure money. In pursuit, a team of police officers led by "Big Nick" O'Brien uses expeditious methods in an environment where rules no longer seem to exist. The film builds tension around the meticulously planned heist, while exploring the strategies and weaknesses of both sides.
Between manipulation, reconnaissance of the terrain, and internal rivalries, the two groups engage in a violent and methodical chess game. Beyond the action, the plot focuses on each character's motivations: the calculated discipline of the robbers versus the borderline behavior of the police. Their paths converge in a confrontation where every decision can reverse the outcome of the plan, without revealing the final twists and turns of this "heist of the century" orchestrated around the Federal Reserve.
Criminal Squad marks Christian Gudegast's directorial debut, after writing screenplays for films such as Man on a Ledge and London Has Fallen. The idea for the film dates back to 2002, when the filmmaker discovered an essay on how Los Angeles became the world capital of bank robberies. A photograph of bundles of cash stored at the Federal Reserve inspired the story, which focuses on the complex relationships between professional robbers and the police officers who specialize in tracking them down.
The screenplay was developed with Paul Scheuring, creator of Prison Break, reinforcing the procedural dimension and the study of group dynamics. The character of "Big Nick," played by Gerard Butler, is loosely based on former undercover agent Jay Dobyns, who advised the team and whose gestures and vocabulary helped shape the character of the police officer. From the actors' tactical preparation to the handling of weapons and the organization of assault sequences, the production prioritizes authenticity in the field.
Filming took place mainly in Atlanta, despite the story being set in Los Angeles. This transposition required a meticulous reproduction of the sets, colors, murals, and atmospheres specific to California, with photographic work designed to recreate the heat, smog, and golden light of Los Angeles. The central shootout, filmed over ten days, involved more than 250 vehicles, thousands of bullets, and a completely controlled urban perimeter.
The film is aimed at fans of action-packed thrillers, confrontations between law enforcement and organized crime, and tactical realism-inspired staging. Its blend of action, methodical heists, and anti-hero portrayals follows in the tradition of edgy crime films, at the crossroads of works such as Heat and Armored, while offering a contemporary visual universe and a fast pace.
Criminal Squad
Film | 2018
Theatrical release: February 21, 2018
On Prime Video December 1, 2025
Action, crime, thriller | Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes
By Christian Gudegast | Starring Gerard Butler, Pablo Schreiber, 50 Cent
Original title: Den of Thieves
Nationality: United States
Immersing viewers in the world of specialized units and high-level robbers, Criminal Squad offers a contemporary take on heist movies, based on obsession, tactics, and direct confrontation. Its arrival on Prime Video offers an opportunity to rediscover an effective thriller, with tense staging and characters marked by their contradictions.
To go further, check out our selection of new Prime Video releases for December, our guide to streaming releases across all platforms, and today's selection of What to Watch Today on Streaming.
