Audiences unfortunate enough to experience the mundanity of corporate nine-to-five life may resonate with Zara’s (Sophie Turner) struggles. Overworked, underpaid, constantly tired and forever bored. That is, however, until armed criminals take her office hostage, and make Zara the heart of a high-octane heist of the century. Alongside Archie Madekwe (Gran Turismo) as best friend, Luke, and Jacob Fortune-Lloyd’s (Midas Man) as Detective Rhys Covac, Zara must evade dangerous thugs hellbent on keeping their riches, as well as those suspecting further sinister activity. Steal promises audiences a rollercoaster of a mini-series layered with twists, action and high-stakes certain to keep viewers clicking ‘next episode’.
Naturally, navigating such circumstances aren’t exactly an ideal situation for one to find themselves within. Zara finds herself frantically assessing her situation during the London based thriller, having to perform detective-esque skills to uncover the criminals behind the organised crime. Or perhaps, protect her ulterior motives. Amazon Prime Video debuted all 6 episodes of the mini-series on January 21st, encouraging viewers to binge through the gripping dilemma, popcorn in hand and smartwatches relentlessly buzzing warning high heartrates. An exercise worthy of Strava recognition.
A key to success, and where television often falters, is nailing the debut episode. Hooking viewers, giving them a justification to stay up late and watch the episodes roll on, despite knowing they’ll wish they got more sleep… but sometimes it’s worth it. Steal is one of those moments. Immediately, audiences will find their experience shaken by aggressive terrorists. Any semblance of a slow start thrown out of London’s high rises, replaced by immersive chemistry and tense dynamics. Opening with impassioned dialogue and a flurry of fantastic performances, namely that of Sophie Turner (Game of Thrones), Andrew Howard (Limitless) and Jonathan Slinger (A Knight’s Tale). Debunking the phrase “they don’t make television like this anymore”, Steal consistently shows that they can, and do.
Creator Sotiris Nikias (Cafe 404) demonstrates an immense ability to deliver a refreshing entry into the world of television heists. Flipping the genre on its head, audiences will fall in love with the dire circumstances taking place, and their inability to guess where the series is heading. Occasionally, television can become enamoured with its own existence. Convinced it has the legs to run a marathon, when 10 kilometres is enough. Perfectly allocated 6 episodes, Steal carries an electric momentum. No filler episodes to slow it down. No lull in action nor unrealistic developments (outside the conventional entertainment norm). Steal discovers magic in simplicity, keeping the plot largely tight knit, even if the final two episodes attempt an unnecessary last layer of depth.
For many, Steal will become an essential viewing experience to kick start 2026. The eccentric personalities within, and impeccable castings, elevate an already engrossing adventure to greater heights. Sure, the series nearly falls into the trap of becoming convoluted, pushing audiences further into the rabbit hole late on, despite diminishing minutes. But this doesn’t stop the fun. If anything, it encourages the energy to continue, pushing audience’s attention span to the max, keeping their eyes glued to the screen and just at a minor narrative sacrifice.
What limits the series to evolving beyond great, however, is the slightly unrealistic character relationships between best friends Zara (Sophie Turner) and Luke (Archie Madekwe). Their chemistry may be fantastic, but their relationship to each other becomes mildly confusing as the series continues. Suffering a slight mismanaging of their alignment finds their interactions ever-changing. Sometimes friends, other times not, ultimately making final moments together feeling unearned. A slight suspension of belief required to gloss over what is great acting, but a script that stumbles ever so slightly at the finish line.
In all fairness, this could be said for Zara too. Cinema often demands likeable protagonists for audience retention, someone to root for and inspire to be, but she isn’t that. Showcasing multiple times her selfishness, greed and desire to hide dark secrets (no matter the cost), making her momentarily unlikeable. Yet Steal makes no mistake in identifying this as part of her arc. Again, it boxes in what could otherwise be a cathartic finale, but doesn’t absolve the enjoyment experienced, nor replicate the horrors of other another finale Sophie Turner has appeared in… ahem…
Overall, Steal is a much watch, a fantastic addition to the Prime Video library. Audiences will find plenty to fall in love with and become consumed by. A weekend addictively bingeing the whole series a likely reality for many viewers. Offering an easy watch that almost masters the storytelling basics, Steal highlights a riveting range of detective talents, high-stakes action and enough emotional beats to appeal to even the most cynical. Throwing in a few anti-capitalist messages for good luck too!
Steal Is Now Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
