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No Sudden Move

No Sudden Move

Trust is a setup.

2021115 minRMidcredits score: 60th percentile of all films
Director
Steven Soderbergh
Starring
Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro, David Harbour, Jon Hamm

A group of criminals are brought together under mysterious circumstances and have to work together to uncover what's really going on when their simple job goes completely sideways.

Where to watch

Where can I watch No Sudden Move?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists No Sudden Move streaming on HBO Max and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about No Sudden Move?

No Sudden Move earns 7 badges, led by Standout acting and Star-studded.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is No Sudden Move worth watching?

No Sudden Move's Midcredits score is the 60th percentile of all films, from 139K ratings across 6 sources. 52% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

60th percentile

Better received than 60% of films

62nd percentile among Crime62nd percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)64th
Approval (how many liked it)55th

65 /100

64th percentile of all films

67th percentile among Crime65th percentile among 2020s

Critics 76 · Audience 64

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.5 — solid but not unanimous.

52% liked it

55th percentile of all films

56th percentile among Crime56th percentile among 2020s
52% rated it 7–1048% rated it 1–6

Critics 92% · Audience 59%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 1 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

92nd percentile

139K ratings across platforms

89th percentile among Crime93rd percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 43% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A complex, twist-heavy 1950s crime drama with a deep bench of A-list actors that demands close attention.

Fans praised

  • stellar ensemble cast with natural chemistry between leads
  • layered noir-tinged atmosphere and period authenticity
  • tightly-wound tension and surprising twists

Detractors panned

  • convoluted plot overloaded with unnecessary double-crosses
  • distracting fisheye lens undermines immersion
  • confusing character introductions and unclear motivations

What stands out

Acting82

powerhouse ensemble delivers natural, layered performances

Atmosphere75

immersive 1950s Detroit with noir texture

Dialogue65

natural yet occasionally stilted or ad-libbed

TensionDivisive60

effective early tension but dissipates mid-film

CharactersDivisive55

interesting but underdeveloped, many feel flat

PacingDivisive45

slow burn that drags in the middle

Plot and storyDivisive42

overly convoluted with too many twists

CinematographyDivisive40

divisive fisheye lens distorts and distracts

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 19 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 17 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is No Sudden Move like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you can give it your full attention, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseCold
Heaviest: late
Dark humor
Register
Wry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.Cold and cerebral · 4% of films: Detached and precise; keeps the viewer at arm's length.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneSoderbergh plays the convoluted noir plot straight, with a wry, observational detachment that never mocks the genre conventions.
The rideThe film maintains a persistent tension, escalating through double-crosses and violent confrontations, with the emotional weight landing heavily in the final betrayals.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically through escalating complications from a simple blackmail job.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you turning over the hidden corporate greed and moral compromises, with an uneasy sense that nobody gets away clean.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% (this title) · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Corporate villainy: A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).

21% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe film follows a group of criminals who uncover a corporate conspiracy while trying to profit from a blackmail job, revealing the powerful automobile industry as the hidden antagonist.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfGreedPower
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% (this title) · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% (this title) · Deception 9% (this title)
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Power

Greed · 3% of filmsBetrayal · 5% of filmsDeception · 9% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores greed at every level—from street-level gangsters to corporate executives—and how the pursuit of money fuels betrayal and deception among all parties.
StanceThe film observes the pervasive influence of greed and corruption in capitalist society without moralizing, presenting its characters' self-serving actions as natural responses within a corrupt system.

The world

Mid 20th centuryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
JazzElectronicSupportive music · hybrid · David Holmes
Setting1950s Detroit, encompassing gangster haunts, a corporate office, and a family home.
MusicHolmes’s score blends period jazz with modern electronic textures, underpinning the film’s neo-noir tension.

Content guide

Is No Sudden Move okay for kids?

R

No Sudden Move is rated R: “Rated R for language throughout, some violence and sexual references” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (67/100), sexual content at minimal (14/100), language at intense (75/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (49/100) and frightening material at moderate (47/100). Overall it is heavier than 37% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 12 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland15
  • Brazil14
  • MexicoB-15
  • Netherlands12
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporeM18
  • Spain12
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 61% of all filmsHeavier than 37% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 45%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 8%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 64%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 64%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 30%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language and violence. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does No Sudden Move have?

MovieCove's classifier found 5 depicted content warnings in No Sudden Move: Gun violence (severe), Domestic violence (moderate), Kidnapping or confinement (moderate), Torture (mild), plus 1 withheld here because it would spoil the plot. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereGun violence
ModerateDomestic violenceKidnapping or confinement
MildTorture

Cast and crew

Who is in No Sudden Move?

Cast

5 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Don Cheadle
as Curt Goynes
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Benicio Del Toro
as Ronald Russo
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
David Harbour
as Matt Wertz
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Jon Hamm
as Joe Finney
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Ray Liotta
as Frank Capelli
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Brendan Fraser
as Doug Jones
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kieran Culkin
as Charley
Amy Seimetz
as Mary Wertz
Julia Fox
as Vanessa Capelli
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Bill Duke
as Aldrick Watkins

Crew

More like this

What are movies like No Sudden Move?

Movies like No Sudden Move include Welcome to Collinwood (2002), The Laundromat (2019) and Blue Collar (1978). Of the 12 closest matches, most are heist films, and most are stories about partners in crime.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Steven Soderbergh directed 4 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with No Sudden Move?

1K other films share the rarest tag below, follows: gangster. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.