'Crooks' Review: Frederick Lau's performance masterfully drives viewers through heart-pounding heist

Netflix's 'Crooks' delivers a ride through Europe's underworld, filled with action and suspense
UPDATED APR 4, 2024
In the action series 'Crooks', Frederick Lau portrays Charly, who grapples with a haunting past (@Netflix)
In the action series 'Crooks', Frederick Lau portrays Charly, who grapples with a haunting past (@Netflix)

BERLIN, GERMANY: Netflix has released a sparkling, adrenaline-pumping crime drama, titled 'Crooks', and it guarantees to be a wild ride.

Set in the heart of Europe, this German show follows Charly (Frederick Lau), a seemingly normal guy whose tricky past comes back to bite him in a huge way.

Charly's peaceful life crumbles when he's forced to steal a precious coin. This throws him right into a dangerous net of wild gangs and excessive-octane chases across bustling cities like Berlin, Vienna, and Marseille.

The trailer already suggested the show is full of action and darkish humor, shaped by the Guy Ritchie/Matthew Vaughn style of filmmaking.

Netflix dropped the show on Thursday, April 4. Accordingly, let's walk through the heart-pounding storyline, filled with rocking soundtracks to fuel the mayhem. 

'Crooks' cast delivers promising performance

Crooks
From Frederick Lau to Christoph Krutzler, 'Crooks' is packed with brilliant talents (@Netflix)

'Crooks' wouldn't be the interesting trip it is without its stellar cast.

Frederick Lau brings Charly to life, as the reformed locksmith is thrust back into the dangerous world. His performance brings Charly's desperation to the limelight amid his struggles to safeguard his family.

Christoph Krutzler as Joseph, the down-on-his-luck driver, is Charly's unlikely companion in crime. Their contrasting backgrounds and personalities create a dynamic duo, and he flawlessly captures Joseph's vulnerability and resilience.

The supporting cast is equally admirable. Svenja Jung as Charly's wife Samira portrays the fierce protectiveness of a mother caught in the crossfire. Each actor brings their A-game, making 'Crooks' a must-watch.

Adrenaline-fueled chases dominate 'Crooks' storyline

'Crooks' on Netflix starring Frederick Lau and Christoph Krutzler takes viewers on a journey through Europe's criminal underworld, boasting intense action, suspense, and outstanding performances (@Netflix)
'Crooks' takes viewers on a journey through Europe's criminal underworld, boasting intense action sequences (@Netflix)

The plot revolves around Charly, a person whose seemingly nonviolent lifestyle in Berlin takes a drastic turn after his dark past comes knocking back.

Forced by his old buddies, Charly returns to the criminal international gangs and is tasked with stealing a treasured coin.

That's where Joseph enters, a driver for a Vienna gang, who gets entangled in the heist whilst he is assigned to move the loot. What begins as a simple operation goes awry, forcing Charly and Joseph to escape for their lives.

But they're no longer alone. Charly's family also gets swept up in the chaos, and together with Joseph, they embark on an interesting avenue ride through three European nations.

With rival gangs standing on their heels, Charly and Joseph shape an unlikely bond to live on.

It's a traditional story of a seemingly everyday guy thrown into chaos. If you're looking for a show filled with cross-border action, suspense, and a touch of humor, 'Crooks' deserves a place on your watchlist. 

'Crooks' is available to stream on Netflix

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