John Turturro leads new film about a New York pickpocket losing his way

A new feature film premiering this month asks what happens when the last living pickpocket in New York City steals something he does not understand. The movie, titled The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, centers on Harry, a character played by John Turturro. He is a thief who operates on the subway, targeting commuters who are distracted by their daily routines.

The plot kicks off when Harry snatches a wallet from a businessman. The man, portrayed by John Gallagher Jr., is dressed in a suit that fits poorly. Harry takes the wallet but leaves the victim without cash for his midday martinis. This simple act of theft sets the stage for a larger conflict that involves digital currency and family drama.

Harry brings his finds to his friend Ben, a pawn shop owner played by Steve Buscemi. Harry’s days are split between looking for scores and caring for his wife Rosie, played by Karina Arroyave. Rosie is mute and uses a wheelchair. Harry lives in a world that is rapidly changing around him, relying on his hands rather than technology.

The trouble begins when Harry picks the pocket of Dylan, a young and wealthy man played by Will Price. Harry finds a USB drive containing a crypto wallet. The wallet is worth millions of dollars. Harry, who is unfamiliar with computers, sells the drive without knowing its true value. Dylan’s family is powerful and does not take kindly to being robbed.

Dylan tracks Harry down using security cameras and GPS technology. This forces Harry to travel across the different boroughs of New York City. He must find the USB drive before Dylan’s people do. The journey takes him through neighborhoods that are changing, forcing him to confront the gap between the analog world he knows and the digital world that is replacing it.

During his search, Harry runs into several people from his past. He meets an old detective played by Giancarlo Esposito. He also sees his estranged daughter Kelly, played by Tatiana Maslany. Kelly wants little to do with her father. These encounters force Harry to look at his regrets and the pain he has carried for years.

The film also features Eve, Ben’s daughter, played by Victoria Moroles. She represents the new generation of tech-savvy New Yorkers. Harry teases her about her hacking skills, preferring his own methods of theft. The movie contrasts Harry’s stubbornness with the ease with which modern technology can locate a person.

Harry’s journey ends in his apartment with Rosie. He shines his shoes and plans a quiet evening. He intends to eat dinner and pick up a movie by Barbara Stanwyck from the library. This moment shows a side of Harry that is tender and loving, a shift from the angry and manic character he has been for most of the film.