Any Day Now Review: Unique Heist Story

Any Day Now blends comedy, action, and drama for an enjoyable heist story. Taylor Gray’s strong lead performance makes up for some tropes and predictability.

The story that follows is an ambitious blend of comedy, action, romance, and drama centered on Steve’s role in the heist. The film features strong acting, well executed comedic timing, and good character development, making it a fun though somewhat predictable watch.

As a film that attempts to be a little bit of everything at once, Any Day Now mostly succeeds at its various stylistic and thematic goals. The thread that binds these elements together is the emotional weight of Steve’s aspirations. Comedic moments and intense action sequences are haunted by the looming possibility that Steve could ruin his life and never accomplish his dream of becoming a famous musician. His job as a security guard at the Gardner Museum makes him indispensable in the crime world he’s roped into, but Steve remains conflicted about going through with the plan. His turmoil is expressed perfectly in Gray’s acting, which makes up for some misfires in line delivery and pacing by Guilfoyle.

However, even great acting can’t make up for everything. At times, Any Day Now leans into slapstick humor and mob movie tropes, taking away from the overall unique brand of the film. There are also some unnecessary flashback scenes which end up detracting from the main plot. When these factors aren’t interrupting an otherwise well written story, the tension guiding Steve’s decisions is gripping.

One aspect of Any Day Now that isn’t stereotypical or worn out is its portrayal of Boston. The city has been the setting of many high-profile films, including Spotlight and Good Will Hunting. Filmmakers have captured the many lives one can live in the historic New England locale, but Eric Aronson, a Boston native, approached this indie project differently. Any Day Now is surprisingly unconcerned with the city’s historic setting and landmarks. It instead portrays its forgotten corners.

The Boston Public Garden, Fenway Park, and Dunkin’ Donuts do not have screen time, which results in a refreshing take on a famous filming location. It’s a film set in Boston for the people who aren’t enamored with its tourist sites, but rather know it for its ordinary settings. Additionally, this subtly but profoundly visualizes Steve’s fear of insignificance. The fear that he and his friends will continue in their monotonous lifestyles and never ascend to greater accomplishments is represented visually and thoughtfully.

One of the obvious expectations of making a movie about a famous art heist is a contemplative treatment of art. Ruminations on art raise the stakes of the heist and convince the viewer that what the robbers are planning is not some haphazard money grab, but the theft of beauty itself. Steve’s love of music and growing appreciation of the art by which he is daily surrounded lend opportunity for Any Day Now to explore the power and loveliness of art. His friends appreciate art. Even Marty and other criminals approach the paintings they plan to steal with reverence, and Steve’s journey to a deeper respect of the various means of creating something beautiful is a strong and moving concept in the film.

As a mostly fictional account, Any Day Now creates a dramatic and inspiring story with well-placed humor and action, a unique combination for a heist film. It’s shot well and anchored by Taylor Gray’s compelling lead performance. Though it is at times predictable due to comedy and heist movie tropes, it remains a good and enjoyable watch.

Any Day Now will be released on digital platforms on May 20, 2025.

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