All-embracing, The Only Living Pickpocket in New York is the best drama of the year to hit the big screen thus far. With a shortage of genuine realism on the screen this year, up pops a tour-de-force movie where every actor and every member of the crew has come together to make a film that’s flawless with heart pounding and captivating magnetism.
Down and out New Yorker Harry Lehman (John Turturro) has been using his ability of slight at hand as a pickpocket for years. He has honed the fast grab to a science taking anything he can to the pawnshop to make a living, but more so lately since his wife has become incapacitated. On this unusual day Harry gets desperate seeing his wife slipping away and makes a mistake that will cost him more than he can handle.
Capturing the futile darkness of low life in New York City, director Noah Segan delivers the best dramatic film thus far for 2026 with The Only Living Pickpocket in New York. Putting together an eminent cast featuring John Turturro, Giancarlo Esposito, Tatiana Maslany, Victoria Moroles and Steve Buscemi, he guides them through the heartfelt story of a desperate man spiraling down without a lifeline. It’s Segan’s ticket to the Oscars.
John Turturro puts on a show instilling his character Lehman with a performance that radiates “downtrodden”. Totally immersed in his wife’s catatonic state he presses on taking chances with determination to get the money that may help her recover. Turturro has given many very good performances, but I feel that this is his greatest.
The Only Living Pickpocket in New York has been rated R by the MPA for language. The film also contains some violence. For those who like good drama with their crime shows this film is a must. 5 out of 5 stars.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: John Turturro, Giancarlo Esposito, Will Price, Tatiana Maslany, Victoria Moroles, and Steve Buscemi
Directed and Story by: Noah Segan
Genre: crime, drama, thriller
MPA Rating: R for language
Running Time: 1 hr. 28 min.
Opening Date: October 23, 2026
Distributed by: Sony Pictures Classics
Released in: Theaters
