Like many people, I was surprised to learn that following the release of Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead, that a prequel was on the way. Netflix has been adamant more recently, attempting to build a library of bigger and better IPs. From The Witcher, to Stranger Things to even Knives Out, the attempt is clear. Army of Thieves is the latest film that debuts on Netflix from the Army Universe, and I got to see it early! I’d argue I enjoyed Army of Thieves more than its predecessor too…
Snyder’s Army Universe is definitely going to be around for a while in my eyes, and I do think Netflix could be a winner with Snyder’s universe. Despite Army of the Dead not introducing us to a universe deemed anything but promising following its release, Army of Thieves proves that you can world build within a zombie-ridden universe without putting the focus on Zombies… Which is incredibly interesting, to say the least. Don’t get me wrong there is an acknowledgement of the growing threat of flesh-eaters. But this is very much a heist movie at heart.
The Plot
What I enjoyed most about Army of Thieves, is that this feels like a different approach to the genre. Despite the fact that heist movies have been done so many times before, this one focuses on the art of safe-cracking itself. Understandably, there are only so many ways you can tell a heist story: Lots of money in a safe, a group of people want to acquire said money, and they get together and make a plan to steal the money.
A very simple formula, indeed. Furthermore, if anything, Army of Thieves makes fun of itself at multiple points during the narrative by calling out certain tropes, including the fact a team of different abilities is assembled for the heist, and to quote a security guard during one of the film’s many heist scenes “It’s like we’re in a spy movie, pretty cool”.
As for the conventional heist plot, there is a lot in there which I really liked. The pacing of this film was perfect, sat at a running time of just a little above 2 hours, this film never has you wanting to see how much longer is left. Which is great, because, I genuinely got invested into the events of the story. The film is a lot of fun, and the race against the clock chase caused by the impending Interpol investigation adds a very interesting addition to the story to say the least. It feels as if Snyder required an easy “villain” for this story, and chose the easy way out and played the international policing investigation card
Villain Issues
The Interpol investigation makes for the background for the second and third acts of this film, and I found the inclusion to be somewhat off with the vibe this film was going for, which I describe as a romance film. That can be interpreted in two ways – the love which Dieter has for is dedication to safe-cracking and the history behind the works of Hans Wagner. Additionally, there is a subplot involving the brewing “romance” between the two leads, Deiter and Gwen. Which was partially forced at points for plot reasons, and ultimately causes a shift in the plot when everything crashes at the end of the second act… but in a good way.
The ending is refreshing, yet feels the same as we are given a brief explanations regarding Dieter’s activities between the events of Army of Thieves and Army of the Dead. Plus, we even get a cameo from two roles featured in Army of the Dead, however, my lips are sealed on that one.
The Scope and Universe Building
What was so great about this film, especially when you compare it to Army of the Dead – is the scope of it all. Snyder’s introduction to the Army Universe felt incredibly isolated due to the fact much of the film took place within the overrun zombie inhabitance of Las Vegas. However, this time around the film is set to backdrop locations in a handful of European cities — Berlin, St. Moritz, Prague, and Paris. However, to my surprise most of the film was shot in Prague! Other shoot locations included Hallstatt, in Austria; Mariánské Lázně, Karlovy Vary Region in Czech Republic; and Quedlinburg, Saxony-Anhalt in Germany.
As previously mentioned, despite the very European backdrop for this safe-cracking movie, the film does acknowledge the present threat of the zombies and we even get a small glimpse, up front and personal with some of the brain munchers… which is quite the funny moment, I should point out too. On the zombies subject, don’t expect to see them too much. They’re in there for a short while, but not touched upon too much… However, one of my favourite touch throughout the film is when Dieter begins having nightmares about zombies attacking, and Korina observes that rather than nightmares, these visions could simply be prophecies… interesting!
‘Army of Thieves’ and its Norse Mythology
One of Snyder’s thematic decisions in Army of the Dead to tie in mythology (namely Greek Mythology) is carried forward into Army of Thieves which I was a huge fan of.
Based on a story by Zack Snyder and Shay Hatten, Army of Thieves is rooted in Norse mythology and the story of a fictitious German locksmith named Hans Wagner. Bereft after he loses his family, Wagner creates a series of impossible-to-crack safes, each named after a Richard Wagner opera from Der Ring des Nibelungenhe. A German composer’s cycle of music dramas that premiered in the late 1800s: The Rheingold, the Valkyrie, the Siegfried, and the Götterdämmerung, the last of which we first saw Schweighöfer’s Dieter crack in Army of the Dead.
It is no doubt that the Army Universe is set to continue. Especially given the fact that an animated series is actively in development, with Snyder also confirming that a sequel film would happen at some point too. Work is confirmed to begin on that once Snyder’s sci-fi flick Rebel Moon is produced. What is next for the Army of Thieves corner of the Army Universe, however? Personally, without spoiling the ending, and given Dieter’s death in Army of the Dead… there isn’t a lot they could do, to be quite frank (which is a damn shame)
But, no body = no death in my books? So… you never know!
A Different Director to The One I Expected
Considering the number of times Zack Snyder’s name has been plastered on the marketing for this film. Snyder does not in fact direct this film! Instead, it is Matthias Schweighöfer who helms the safe-cracking adventure. It was a pleasant surprise to realise it wasn’t a Snyder film, but instead one of Schweighöfer’s finest. Cause, if anyone is going to know Deiter best, it’s him surely?
Before his big Hollywood breakout role in Army of the Dead, Schweighöfer had already been a star in the German-speaking world as both an actor and director of romantic comedies. With nearly 80 credits as an actor in film and TV — along with 17 as a producer and 6 as a director. With the release of Army of Thieves, the 40-year-old is finally taking his vision worldwide.
And… Action!
Where this film falls flat, is the action sequences. With every heist film, you’re bound to be faced with the opportunity to include some form of combat within the story. One of the biggest action sequences in the film is during the heist of the second vault. During the heat of the moment, our heroes are forced to face security in close combat. The scene was extremely ardent in the attempts the end result would be awesome. However, the editing let the scene down completely. Digital tracking, multiple cuts and the overall fast pacing were not the best choices made in the editing room. Too ambitious, perhaps.
That being said, some of the camera work in this film is great. Especially when the character of Dieter and his method of safe-cracking is involved. There are some great VFX shots when the cracking is taking place. Showing us the individual mechanisms, and insides of different safes. Somewhat reminiscent of how Dieter’s brain would be ticking away in the same moment.
It is worth noting that there is a sequence that takes place within a moving vehicle, which is extremely cool too. Nothing impressive, but as previously mentioned – I don’t think it’s been done before.
The Characters of ‘Army of Thieves’
Given the fact audiences will be familiar with Dieter, I think it is yet another refreshing portrayal of such a lovable character. I don’t believe a spin-off with any of the other Army of the Dead characters as leads would have worked as well. Every scene which Schweighöfer is in, he steals – he really is something. Another scene-stealer who deserves praise for her role is Ruby O. Fee’s portrayal of nerd Korina. Fee brings a fresh take to a character done so many times before, and she’s a pleasure to watch on screen. O.Fee and Guz Khan (also) provide comic relief throughout, and it is a delight!
Nathalie Emmanuel‘s presence on-screen as the mastermind and (pushed) love interest role for Deiter is appreciated for sure. Emmanuel is a flourished actress, especially following her recurring role on Game of Thrones. However, her character isn’t the most complex which is respected – you don’t want to overcomplicate things.
There’s a fun nod to the fact the film’s heist crew is similar to one from a movie, with each member playing their part. One of the biggest letdowns for this film for me personally was Stuart Martin as Brad Cage. The stupid action name should be enough to know this guy is a jerk, who’s annoying and has his own hopes of success during the heists. Whether it is a praise to Stuart Martin’s performance on-screen or not… I don’t know because I really couldn’t stand his character. So that might be what was intended, right?
‘Army of Thieves’ – Final Thoughts
Army of Thieves is a fun, fast and good addition to the Army Universe. In my eyes, it is an improvement on Snyder’s first entry into the Netflix series. The mix of themes, humour and action provide an interesting watch and is a nice break from the zombie outbreak whilst also acknowledging its outlandish threat. Fans of the zombie flick will appreciate this, alongside general audiences who might find an interest in the heist elements.
Army of Thieves is now streaming on Netflix. Check out the trailer below:
