Netflix viewers are suddenly rediscovering and becoming utterly obsessed with Bandit (2022), a gripping biographical crime thriller that has quietly surged up the streaming charts in recent weeks. Originally released in theaters and on demand in September 2022, this Canadian production—based on the astonishing true story of Gilbert Galvan Jr., infamously known as “The Flying Bandit”—has found a massive second wind on Netflix, climbing into top positions in multiple countries and earning fervent praise for its addictive pacing, charismatic lead performance, and dark, thrilling twists. Fans admit they’ve rewatched it “over and over,” captivated by the film’s blend of high-stakes heists, moral ambiguity, and haunting 1980s atmosphere that keeps revealing new layers with each viewing.

Directed by Allan Ungar and written by Kraig Wenman, Bandit chronicles the real-life exploits of Gilbert Galvan Jr. (portrayed with magnetic charm by Josh Duhamel), a smooth-talking career criminal who escapes from a Michigan prison in the mid-1980s. Crossing the border into Canada, he reinvents himself as Robert Whiteman, a seemingly respectable security analyst. What starts as a desperate bid for a fresh start quickly spirals into one of the most prolific crime sprees in Canadian history. Falling in love with Andrea Hudson (Elisha Cuthbert), a kind-hearted social worker, Galvan realizes he can’t provide the life she deserves on legitimate means. Turning to bank robbery, he discovers an uncanny talent for it—mastering disguises, quick getaways, and audacious multi-city hits in a single day via airplane travel, earning him the nickname “The Flying Bandit.”

The film meticulously recreates the era’s gritty vibe: big hair, neon-lit malls, payphones, and the pre-digital thrill of evading capture without cell phones or widespread surveillance. Galvan’s robberies are depicted with tense, almost surgical precision—he slips into banks in various wigs and suits, demands cash calmly, and vanishes before alarms fully ring. Over time, he racks up a staggering 59 consecutive successful heists (a Canadian record that still stands), amassing over $2 million while staying one step ahead of authorities. The story draws heavily from Robert Knuckle and Ed Arnold’s 1996 true-crime book The Flying Bandit, incorporating interviews and real accounts that add authenticity to the narrative.

Josh Duhamel’s performance is the film’s beating heart. He embodies Galvan’s duality perfectly: a charismatic con man who can charm his way into anyone’s trust, yet harbors a restless, addictive personality that craves the adrenaline rush of each score. Duhamel nails the effortless cool of a man who treats crime like a high-flying career, flashing smiles while pulling off impossible feats. Elisha Cuthbert brings warmth and vulnerability to Andrea, the moral anchor who unwittingly enables Galvan’s double life—her genuine affection contrasts sharply with the deception, adding emotional depth to what could have been a straightforward heist tale. Mel Gibson delivers a memorable supporting turn as Tommy Kay, a ruthless loan shark and reputed gangster who sees potential in Galvan and pulls him into larger, riskier operations involving jewelry stores. Gibson’s gravelly intensity injects menace, turning Tommy into a dangerous mentor figure whose involvement signals the beginning of Galvan’s downfall.

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Nestled among the strong ensemble is Nestor Carbonell as a determined detective on the task force hunting the elusive robber. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between law enforcement and Galvan builds suspense without relying on over-the-top action; instead, it thrives on clever misdirection, narrow escapes, and the psychological toll of living a lie. The screenplay smartly balances high-energy robbery sequences with quieter domestic moments, highlighting how Galvan’s secret life strains his relationship with Andrea and threatens to unravel everything he’s built.

What makes Bandit so rewatchable, according to surging viewer buzz, is its layered storytelling and clever twists. Each heist feels fresh, thanks to inventive disguises and escalating stakes, while subtle foreshadowing rewards repeat viewings—details about Galvan’s past, his disguises, or overlooked clues that tie into the climax become apparent only on second or third watches. The film’s dark humor shines through in ironic moments, like Galvan’s calm professionalism amid chaos, preventing it from feeling too grim. The 1980s soundtrack and production design immerse viewers in the period, creating a haunting nostalgia that amplifies the thrill of the crimes.

Critically, Bandit earned solid marks—around 74% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and 80% from audiences—praised for its entertaining pace, strong performances, and faithful adaptation of a wild true story. While not revolutionary, it’s polished, engaging, and fun in the vein of classic heist films like Catch Me If You Can or The Thomas Crown Affair, but grounded in real events and Canadian history. On Netflix, its recent addition has sparked viral discussions, with fans sharing how the film’s underdog charm and satisfying cat-and-mouse game make it perfect for binge-watching or repeat plays.

In a sea of new releases, Bandit proves that timeless true-crime stories with strong leads and clever execution can explode in popularity years later. Its surge reminds viewers that the best thrillers often aren’t the flashiest—they’re the ones that hook you with charisma, tension, and just enough darkness to linger. If you haven’t seen it yet, or if you’re due for another round, this “excellent” hidden gem is climbing charts for good reason: once the adrenaline starts, it’s hard to stop.