Apple TV+ recently released the first two episodes of a crime thriller series called Dope Thief has raked in a strong 86% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, and based on reviews, the show may get better and better.

At first glance, there are many reasons to get excited about Dope Thief. The show stars Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura, both of whom earned incredible praise for their roles in Atlanta and Narcos respectively. Furthermore, the first episode of Dope Thief is directed by iconic filmmaker, Ridley Scott, who also acts as an executive producer of the show. Because of this star-studded cast and crew, expectations have been high for this series. Luckily, it seems like Dope Thief is meeting these prospects.

5 Dope Thief Has A Gritty Visual Atmosphere

Dope Thief's Style Increases Its Quality

Right off the bat, Dope Thief proves itself through its visuals and atmosphere. Set in post-pandemic Philadelphia, the series offers a gritty and bleak outlook on the city, especially from the perspectives of Ray and Manny, both of whom have been lifelong residents. In CBR's review of the series, Dope Thief's cinematography is compared to that of The Town or Causeway. The show captures the subtle beauty small-town Americana, even as it showcases scenes of violence and fear. According to critics, "It's both bleak and rustic, but not without beauty even in the smallest detail."

Dope Thief's visual style helps elevate the series from the moment audiences press play. Crime dramas are a dime a dozen on television these days, but Dope Thief manages to set itself apart with amazing cinematography and direction. In just a few shots, the series tells audiences that this isn't just another crime show, but is an experience, which has had lots of money and effort funneled into it. Not to mention, Dope Thief's atmosphere helps viewers settle into this world of drugs and complex community for the long haul.

4 Dope Thief Blends High-Stakes Drama With Comedy

Dope Thief's Levity Is Vital To Its Success

Another major strength of Dope Thief is its ability to mix intense drama and action with comedy. A review of the show from Screen Rant noted that it included everything from "stunning visuals, thoughtful backstory, witty banter, and violent shootouts." A scene in Dope Thief can go from a fist-clenching moment of violence to Ray and Manny sharing an inside joke in just a few minutes. Ultimately, the ease with which Dope Thief moves from drama to comedy is entertaining and surprisingly representative of real life.

Dope Thief avoids this oversaturation of negativity by keeping certain elements of lightness.

Just like the cinematography, Dope Thief's genre-blending makes it a standout among other crime thrillers. At times, series revolving around drugs and violence can take themselves too seriously or feel bogged down with heavy emotions. Dope Thief avoids this oversaturation of negativity by keeping certain elements of lightness. Ray and Manny are certainly pushed into brutal situations, but they are still able to laugh and cope like regular human beings.

3 Brian Tyree Henry & Wagner Moura Have Amazing Chemistry

Henry & Moura Came Prepared For These Roles

One positive about Dope Thief that has been mentioned in just about every review of the series is the chemistry between the series leads, Henry and Moura. As Ray and Manny, the actors are believable best friends, creating this unexpectedly bubbly ambiance that makes them easy to root for. Even apart from Henry and Moura's performances, Dope Thief does a good job of creating a thorough background for both characters, seamlessly including them in this small town setting where everyone knows everyone and no one ever leaves.

A good summary of Henry and Moura's performances comes from The Hollywood Reporter's review of the series: "[Henry and Moura] have the instant and volatile chemistry of men who have weathered so many dark moments together that they love each other even when they hate each other." For audiences who have never been in a dire situation such as Ray and Manny's, the actors still manage to make their relationship relatable. Dope Thief emphasizes these kinds of lifelong relationships that will never die.

2 The Themes Of Dope Thief Are Deeply Meaningful

Dope Thief Ventures Beyond Pure Action & Thrills

Under the surface, Dope Thief has also wowed viewers with its themes. One of the most obvious is brotherhood. As noted in Collider's review of the series, "Ray and Manny's friendship is the backbone of the series." Dope Thief uses their relationship to explore bonds through proximity and trauma, and how these connections can be vital, yet also toxic. On top of that, Dope Thief focuses on community at large, and how one's roots can prevent them from growing into who they really want to be.

Of course, Dope Thief's violence also plays a part in the show's deeper meaning. For example, Ray and Manny's situation brings up pivotal questions about loyalty, self-preservation, and why people do what they do. CBR put it best when they said Dope Thief "Get[s] to the root cause of why people make certain choices, what motivates them to put others in danger, and how those moments are resolved..." Without a doubt, Dope Thief will make audiences think about their own relationships and actions.

1 Dope Thief Doesn't Waste A Single Second

Dope Thief Is Chaotic But Worth Watching

Finally, the biggest pro of Dope Thief is its fast pace. Countless critics have acknowledged how the show hits the ground running, quickly throwing viewers into the messy lives of Ray and Manny. It takes very little time for Dope Thief to start heating up, putting the protagonists into increasingly dangerous situations. Clearly, this keeps audiences invested from the jump, as they try to work out what's going on and what it all means.

Dope Thief is not a fool-proof series, by any means. There are certainly those who have cast doubts about the show's various storylines and chaotic nature. However, despite any negative reviews, subscribers should still definitely check out Dope Thief on Apple TV+. Though far from perfect, Dope Thief provides captivating action, meaningful stories, and a cast of truly talented performers.