“Dope Thief,” the new offering from Apple TV+ for this weekend, is a gritty crime drama based on Dennis Tafoya’s 2009 novel. Starring Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura, the series takes us to Philadelphia and into the world of drug trafficking through the eyes of two childhood friends.
The best: the performances of its protagonists. A realistic series that, indeed…
Created by Peter Craig, known for his work on “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Dope Thief” follows two old friends from Philadelphia whose small-time scam turns into a life-or-death enterprise. The road to “Dope Thief” hasn’t been without its bumps. Initially announced under the title “Sinking Spring,” the production faced challenges including cast changes and delays due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.
The Artistic Team
Leading this series is a star-studded cast headed by Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura. Henry, who also serves as executive producer, brings his formidable talent to the forefront, while Moura, a late addition to the cast, stepped in to replace Michael Mando after an on-set altercation. The ensemble is rounded out by industry veterans Marin Ireland, Kate Mulgrew, and Ving Rhames, whose promising performances will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Behind the camera, the series boasts an impressive team. Ridley Scott, the director of “Blade Runner” and “Gladiator,” directed the pilot episode and serves as executive producer.
About the Series
While not groundbreaking, “Dope Thief” delves into the world of drug trafficking on the U.S. East Coast with veracity, accuracy, and realism. Without being an atrocious portrayal of the drug world, the series focuses on its two protagonists and the crime that kicks off the series, around which events unfold.
“Dope Thief” is an interesting series and an engaging thriller, but it’s not a series that marks an era, neither for its plot innovations nor for its production: without being just another series, it also fails to distinguish itself from the thousands of other criminal thriller series we’ve already seen: two childhood friends involved in drugs, serving as an excuse to showcase the criminal environment and what surrounds the drug world.
That said, the series features two great actors and a good script. With a more or less generic idea, it manages to well-define these two characters, and the actors make their characters much better.
You know, you can watch it starting today on Apple TV+.
Enjoy it!
Where to Watch “Dope Thief”
