Klepto (2003)
A darkly comic crime thriller where compulsion, attraction, and moral compromise collide in a department store cat-and-mouse game.
Klepto - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2003
- Directed by: Thomas Trail
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 21m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 5, 2003 (United States - R)
- Production Companies: Nucleus Films Ltd
- Production Countries: United States of America
Klepto - Plot
Emily Brown is a kleptomaniac with a penchant for watches. She shoplifts and has an apartment full of things she doesn't need. Nick Ruiz is a department store loss prevention specialist who dislikes his job. He needs some fast cash to start his own private security business. One day Emily enters a department store and her compulsion to steal sets her in motion. Nick catches her on tape and instead of arresting her, he becomes intrigued and pursues her. After the two have become involved, Nick forces Emily to use her unique talent to bail him out of a bad situation. The outcome results in a climactic turn of events where justice plays its hand.
Klepto - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see how this crime comedy unfolds:
Where to Watch Klepto
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Klepto - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Thomas Trail
Main Cast
- Meredith Bishop
- Jsu Garcia
- Leigh Taylor-Young
- Henry Czerny
- Michael Nouri
- Michael Irby
- Kirk B.R. Woller
- Michael E. Rodgers
- Mark Chaet
- Kansas Bowling
Writers
- Thomas Trail
- Ethan Gross
Producers
- Mark Ean
Klepto - FAQs
What is Klepto about?
Klepto follows Emily, a compulsive shoplifter with a weakness for watches, and Nick, a department store loss prevention officer looking for quick cash. When Nick catches Emily on camera, he becomes fascinated rather than arresting her. Their entanglement soon pulls both into a risky scheme with serious consequences.
Does Nick force Emily to commit a crime?
Yes — after Nick and Emily grow close, he exploits her kleptomania to get himself out of a financial bind. It's a morally murky turning point that shifts the film's tone from quirky romance into darker crime thriller territory, putting both characters on a collision course with justice.
Where can you watch Klepto online?
You can rent or buy Klepto on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. It's also available to purchase on Google Play Movies and YouTube. No subscription streaming is currently available, but the rental options make it easy to watch at home.
Who are the main actors in Klepto?
Meredith Bishop leads the cast as Emily, the kleptomaniac at the heart of the story, with Jsu Garcia playing Nick, the loss prevention officer drawn into her world. The supporting cast includes Leigh Taylor-Young, Henry Czerny, and Michael Nouri, lending the film some solid character depth.
Does Klepto have a happy ending?
The film builds toward a climactic turn of events where justice ultimately plays its hand — so it's not a straightforward happy ending. Without spoiling too much, the resolution ties together the consequences of both Emily's compulsions and Nick's manipulation in a way that feels earned and satisfying.
Who directed Klepto and who wrote it?
Thomas Trail directed Klepto and co-wrote the screenplay alongside Ethan Gross. Trail also served as editor on the film, making it a notably personal project. It's a small-scale indie production from Nucleus Films Ltd, released in the United States in March 2003.
What is the age rating for Klepto?
Klepto is rated R, so it's intended for adult audiences. The rating reflects the film's mature themes around crime, manipulation, and morally compromised characters. If you're planning a movie night, it's worth keeping the R rating in mind before watching with younger viewers.
What movies are similar to Klepto?
If you enjoyed Klepto's blend of crime, dark comedy, and character-driven drama, you might also like Thick as Thieves (1999), Things Change (1988), Small Apartments (2012), Ca$h (2010), or Suburbicon (2017). Each shares a similar tone — morally complex characters caught up in schemes that spiral out of control.
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