No Sudden Move (2021)

Last updated:
September 25, 2025

Steven Soderbergh’s No Sudden Move is a twisty neo-noir crime thriller that blends betrayal, corporate conspiracy, and double-crosses against the backdrop of 1950s Detroit. With a stellar cast and Soderbergh’s signature style, the film dives deep into the dirty underbelly of organized crime and capitalism. Let’s break it down in detail.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

A Simple Job Goes Wrong

Set in 1954 Detroit, the story begins with two small-time criminals, Curt Goynes (Don Cheadle) and Ronald Russo (Benicio del Toro). They are recruited by Jones (Brendan Fraser, in a scene-stealing performance) for what seems like a straightforward babysitting job: hold a family hostage while forcing the father, Matt Wertz (David Harbour), to retrieve a document from his boss’s safe.

Of course, nothing goes as planned. Matt discovers that the document is not in the safe, which sets off a chain of betrayals. Meanwhile, Curt and Ronald quickly realize they’ve been set up, and the job is far bigger and more dangerous than they were led to believe.

Detroit’s Criminal Ecosystem

The criminals discover that multiple parties want the document, including mafia factions, corrupt cops, and wealthy industrialists. The “document” in question is tied to the automobile industry’s efforts to suppress technology that would reduce car emissions, a real historical reference.

As Curt and Ronald navigate the treacherous terrain, they cross paths with greedy mob bosses, shady intermediaries, and double-dealers at every corner. Everyone is out to manipulate someone else, and trust is non-existent.

Bubble of Lies

Ronald has his own secret affair with his boss’s wife, while Curt, trying to rebuild his life after prison, wants a clean slate. Both men cling to self-interest while dodging bullets and schemes. The story escalates as alliances form and crumble within minutes.

Movie Ending

The climax unravels multiple layers of deception. Curt and Ronald finally manage to secure the coveted document, but betrayal comes fast. Ronald is killed during the final series of double-crosses.

Curt survives and negotiates with the powerful corporate figure Mike Lowen (played by Matt Damon in a sharp cameo), who explains the significance of the document: it reveals how car companies suppressed catalytic converter technology to maximize profits, despite environmental harm. Lowen coldly ensures the secret remains buried by buying silence and tightening control over the industry.

In the end, Curt is seemingly rewarded. He receives money to walk away, but true to noir tradition, it’s not a happy ending. The bigger corruption remains untouched—corporations and elites win, while everyone else loses. Curt’s survival is bittersweet; he gets his life back but knows the system is rigged.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, No Sudden Move does not feature a post-credits scene. Once the credits roll, the story is over, consistent with the noir tone of finality.

Type of Movie

This is a neo-noir crime thriller with strong elements of historical drama and social commentary. Soderbergh blends old-school crime tropes with sharp critiques of capitalism and corporate greed.

Cast

Don Cheadle as Curt Goynes
Benicio del Toro as Ronald Russo
David Harbour as Matt Wertz
Brendan Fraser as Jones
Kieran Culkin as Charley
Amy Seimetz as Mary Wertz
Ray Liotta as Frank Capelli
Jon Hamm as Detective Joe Finney
Matt Damon as Mike Lowen

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by David Holmes, a frequent collaborator of Soderbergh’s. Holmes infuses the soundtrack with jazzy, retro-inspired tones that echo the film’s 1950s setting while giving it a modern noir edge.

Filming Locations

The movie was shot on location in Detroit, Michigan. Soderbergh used real neighborhoods, streets, and historic buildings to capture the authentic post-war industrial feel of the city. Detroit’s decaying architecture perfectly mirrors the film’s themes of corruption, collapse, and greed.

Awards and Nominations

Nominated for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival (2021).
Critics praised its screenplay, performances, and period detail, though it didn’t make a splash at the major awards circuit.

Behind the Scenes Insights

The script was written by Ed Solomon, who also wrote Men in Black.
The cast was assembled during COVID-19 restrictions, making the production unusually complex.
Soderbergh shot the film using unusual anamorphic lenses that distort the edges of the frame, creating a retro, off-kilter feel.
Brendan Fraser’s performance marked his big comeback and generated significant fan enthusiasm.

Inspirations and References

Inspired by true events involving Detroit automakers’ conspiracy to hide emission-reducing technology.
Stylistically, the movie borrows from classic film noir like The Big Sleep and Soderbergh’s own Out of Sight.
The title is a nod to the characters’ constant attempt to appear calm while chaos explodes around them.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

No alternate endings have been publicly released. However, early drafts of the script reportedly gave Ronald a chance at survival, though Soderbergh chose the darker route to stay true to the noir ethos.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The movie is not adapted from a book. It is an original screenplay by Ed Solomon, though it borrows heavily from noir literature traditions (Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett).

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The opening hostage sequence in the Wertz household.
Curt and Ronald discovering the document’s true purpose.
Ronald’s tragic end in a hail of betrayals.
Mike Lowen’s chilling monologue about corporate control.

Iconic Quotes

“Everybody’s got a plan until you hit them in the mouth.”
“You think you’re in control? You’re not even close.”
Mike Lowen: “This is bigger than you, bigger than me. It’s progress. And progress doesn’t ask for permission.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The car industry conspiracy mirrors the real-life suppression of catalytic converters until the 1970s.
Soderbergh uses distorted camera lenses to emphasize paranoia and unease.
The inclusion of Matt Damon’s character underscores the faceless power of corporations.

Trivia

This is Soderbergh’s third crime film shot in Detroit after Out of Sight (1998) and Traffic (2000).
Don Cheadle was not originally attached; the role was offered to other actors first.
The film was released directly on HBO Max due to the pandemic.

Why Watch?

If you enjoy crime thrillers where no one can be trusted, No Sudden Move is a gem. It’s more than a heist movie—it’s a commentary on systemic corruption, filled with sharp performances, stylish direction, and a story that lingers long after the credits.

No Sudden Move (2021)