Noah Segan’s The Only Living Pickpocket in New York is a charming, 70s-tinged love letter to a changing city, elevated by John Turturro’s tender performance.
Directed by Noah Segan, The Only Living Pickpocket in New York premiered at Sundance 2026 followed by an international debut as a part of the Special Gala section of the 2026 Berlinale. Pickpocket sees the indelible John Turturro starring in what is ostensibly another in a long and storied tradition of cinematic love letters to New York, with all the 1970s gritty, grainy nostalgia you could ask for.
We follow Turturro as the aging criminal Harry, who’s faced with a city and a world which is drastically shifting around him. The film’s central theme is one of old versus new, past versus present, analogue versus technological – whether it’s dealing with the pressure of caring for an elderly partner, or trying to keep up with smartphones and Bitcoin, this is a story of the incredible pace of modernity and the rapid passage of time.
Turturro is as charismatic and charming as ever, bringing a poignancy and world weary sweetness to Harry, who is endlessly sympathetic. Whilst some of the younger cast weren’t quite as believable, Turturro nevertheless carries them through – alongside Steve Buscemi, who plays Harry’s pawnbroker friend Ben.
This is an easy going, light weight crime movie – which could perhaps have done with slightly more tension and a slightly tighter script, but the emotional heart of the film (Harry and his city) nevertheless make this a worthwhile watch. Segan plays wonderfully with the cultural legacy of New York, New York crime movies, character studies, and musical references – the title itself derives from the classic Simon and Garfunkel song, The Only Living Boy In New York. Despite how drastically overrepresented references to New York are in our collective cinematic landscape, Segan manages to steer away from cliche or pastiche (no mean feat), retaining a classy composure in amongst the 70s style subway platform, pawn shop, late night diner N.Y.C. nostalgia.
It may not reach the iconic status of films like Taxi Driver, Goodfellas or Annie Hall, but it nevertheless was a lovely Sunday afternoon watch at this year’s Berlinale.
Our team is on the ground at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, running from February 12th to 22nd, 2026.
