To Rob a Thief (2007) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place in Los Angeles, California. The story contrasts wealthy gated mansion neighborhoods with crowded immigrant communities where the crew operates as day laborers. This urban setting creates the economic divide that drives the heist's premise.

• los angeles setting
• locations
• california
• heist location

The movie is set in contemporary, present-day Los Angeles. The plot unfolds over a tight two-week window, using modern security systems, infomercial culture, and current technology to frame the antagonist's wealth and the crew's planning.

• time period
• contemporary
• modern day
• 2007

The film explores several interconnected themes: the heist as a meticulously planned operation, identity and deception through disguises and hidden agendas, loyalty tested among crew members, betrayal that redefines alliances, and greed as the motivating force behind the scheme.

• themes
• heist
• identity
• betrayal
• loyalty
• greed

Emilio Lopez is a Colombian con man who arrives in Los Angeles with a two-week deadline to rob his former associate. He is portrayed as calculating, persuasive, and willing to manipulate others to achieve his goal, driving the crew's plan with ruthless efficiency.

• emilio lopez
• main character
• con man
• miguel voroni

Alejandro Toledo is Emilio's partner who assembles the heist crew and pitches the plan as a lucrative opportunity. He relies on deception, recruits immigrants to pose as day laborers, and has personal motives involving his pursuit of Gloria that complicate the operation.

• alejandro toledo
• character
• fernando colunga
• crew leader

Gloria works as the nanny for the target, Claudio Silvestrini, but is secretly a spy implanted by Alejandro into the household. She navigates shifting loyalties throughout the film and plays a critical role in the heist's internal drama.

• gloria
• character
• julie gonzalo
• spy
• nanny

Claudio Silvestrini, also known by the alias Moctesuma Valdez, is the wealthy target of the heist. He made his fortune through infomercials selling snake-oil products specifically targeted at Latino immigrants, making him a morally questionable figure whom the crew views as a justified target.

• claudio silvestrini
• moctesuma valdez
• target
• antagonist
• villain

The film has a light, comedic tone framed as a satirical caper. Despite being a crime heist story, it maintains an upbeat underdog spirit with humor score of 7 and avoids heavy violence or disturbing themes. The pacing is steady, reflecting methodical planning rather than frantic action.

• tone
• comedy
• humor
• style
• lighthearted
• caper

The film centers on a meticulously planned robbery where Emilio and his crew coordinate roles, disguises, and timing to breach a well-guarded mansion. Each step tests precision and trust as the plan unfolds under pressure, with success depending on flawless execution and risk management.

• heist
• robbery
• plan
• crew
• mission

The Identity theme focuses on disguises, aliases, and undercover roles that blur who the crew members really are. The line between ally and asset shifts as loyalties are tested and secrets surface, with Gloria's undercover twist redefining relationships and challenging assumptions about control.

• identity
• disguise
• aliases
• undercover
• deception

The crew is composed of immigrants who blend into Los Angeles neighborhoods as day laborers and residents. This allows them to infiltrate the target area while reflecting the economic divide between the wealthy target and the working-class crew seeking a better life.

• immigrant characters
• day laborers
• crew
• diversity
• los angeles

Yes, the film has a happy ending where the amateur crew succeeds in their heist. The victory is reinforced by the reveal of Gloria's true allegiance, and because the targets are morally corrupt, the theft feels justified, maintaining the upbeat underdog spirit throughout.

• ending
• happy ending
• finale
• conclusion