The Alto Knights (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Barry Levinson’s The Alto Knights (2025) is a highly anticipated crime drama that brings Robert De Niro back to the world of organized crime. Playing dual roles as Mafia bosses Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, De Niro takes center stage in a film that explores betrayal, power struggles, and the brutal realities of the criminal underworld. With a script by Goodfellas writer Nicholas Pileggi, this movie had all the ingredients for a gangster epic—but does it live up to expectations?
In this in-depth review, we’ll break down the film’s strengths and weaknesses, discuss its reception, and provide insights into where you can stream or rent The Alto Knights online.
Plot Summary
Set in the mid-20th century, The Alto Knights follows two of New York City’s most notorious crime bosses, Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. Once close allies, their ambitions and growing distrust lead to an all-out war for control over the city’s streets. The story intensifies when Genovese orders a hit on Costello, which he miraculously survives. What follows is a tense game of cat and mouse, where loyalty is tested, alliances crumble, and the fate of the Mafia is forever altered.
Levinson uses a mix of traditional storytelling and documentary-style narration, with De Niro’s Costello providing voiceovers as if recounting his past in an interview. The film attempts to give historical depth to the rise and fall of these infamous crime figures, but does it succeed?
Performance & Direction
Robert De Niro’s Dual Role – A Hit or Miss?
One of the film’s most talked-about elements is Robert De Niro playing both main characters. While De Niro delivers a commendable performance, the execution of this creative decision leaves much to be desired. Unlike past films where actors playing dual roles create distinct personas, De Niro’s portrayals of Costello and Genovese feel too similar, making it hard for audiences to differentiate between them.
That being said, De Niro still carries the weight of the film with his signature presence. He brings a sense of gravitas to Costello’s composed demeanor, while his portrayal of Genovese leans into paranoia and ruthless ambition. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t allow him to fully explore the depths of either character in a way that makes their conflict feel truly compelling.
Barry Levinson’s Direction – A Missed Opportunity
Levinson is no stranger to crime dramas, but The Alto Knights lacks the dynamism of classics like Goodfellas or The Irishman. The pacing drags at times, with repetitive dialogue that doesn’t always push the story forward. The film leans heavily on narration and exposition, which, rather than immersing the audience, makes it feel more like a history lesson than a gripping crime thriller.
While the production design captures the period beautifully, the storytelling lacks urgency. There are brief moments of brilliance—such as Costello’s Senate testimony or the Apalachin meeting scene—but they are too few and far between.
Strengths & Weaknesses
What Works
✔ Strong performances – De Niro delivers, even if the execution of his dual role isn’t perfect.
✔ Great production design – The 1950s setting is visually impressive, from the costumes to the classic mobster aesthetics.
✔ Moments of historical intrigue – Fans of true crime history may appreciate the film’s attempt to depict real-life Mafia events.
What Falls Short
✖ Pacing issues – The film feels slow and repetitive, making its 2+ hour runtime feel much longer.
✖ Lack of emotional depth – The conflict between Costello and Genovese never fully engages the audience.
✖ Too much exposition – The excessive narration takes away from the film’s cinematic experience.
Audience & Critical Reception
The film has received mixed reviews from both critics and audiences. While some appreciate its attempt at historical accuracy, many feel it doesn’t bring anything new to the gangster genre. Some viewers even compared it to a documentary rather than a narrative film, criticizing its heavy reliance on voiceovers and dialogue-heavy scenes.
For those expecting an action-packed Mafia thriller, The Alto Knights might disappoint. However, if you’re a fan of slow-burning crime dramas with a focus on historical events, it may still be worth a watch.
Where to Watch The Alto Knights Online
(As of the time this article was written, The Alto Knights is not yet available on streaming platforms. However, based on past trends, here’s where it is likely to appear.)
Predicted Streaming Availability in the U.S.:
- Likely Streaming Platforms: HBO Max, Netflix, Paramount+ (as they often acquire crime dramas).
- Rental & Purchase Options: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu.
- Physical Release: Expect Blu-ray/DVD releases approximately 3-6 months after theatrical debut.
To check the latest availability, visit: JustWatch – The Alto Knights.
For official updates, visit: The Alto Knights Official Website.
Final Verdict – Is The Alto Knights Worth Watching?
While The Alto Knights offers an interesting premise and a solid performance from Robert De Niro, it falls short of being a true crime epic. The slow pacing, excessive exposition, and lack of emotional depth make it a tough sell for casual viewers. However, dedicated fans of Mafia history and crime dramas might still find it intriguing.
Recommended for: Hardcore Mafia genre fans, history buffs.
Not recommended for: Those expecting an action-packed crime thriller.
Are you a fan of classic gangster films? What’s your take on The Alto Knights? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to check back for streaming updates as they become available.
