Overview

Empire State is a crime‑thriller film released in September 2013. Set in the borough of Queens and the wider backdrop of New York City, the story takes place in the 1980s and centers on a pair of longtime friends who become involved in planning a bold robbery. The film is often classified as a heist picture and explores themes common to the genre: loyalty, ambition, and the consequences of crime.

Plot and setting

The narrative follows two friends whose relationship and life choices converge on a single, risky scheme. The 1980s setting—an era of economic strain and high urban crime in parts of New York—provides a period atmosphere that shapes character motivations and the dangers they face. Much of the action is grounded in the local neighborhoods of Queens, lending the film a specific geographic and cultural texture.

Cast and characters

Among the cast are several recognizable names. Nikki Reed portrays Lizzette, Shenae Grimes appears as Eleni, and Emma Roberts plays a character called Nancy. Smaller and supporting roles help populate the world around the central duo, creating the social context that drives the plot forward.

  • Nikki Reed as Lizzette — a key female character connected to the protagonists.
  • Shenae Grimes as Eleni — another principal figure whose choices intersect with the heist.
  • Emma Roberts as Nancy — a supporting role that contributes to the story’s personal stakes.

Themes, style and reception

Empire State follows familiar heist conventions: assembling a plan, the tension of execution, and the moral fallout. The film emphasizes character dynamics as much as the mechanics of the crime, focusing on friendship and trust under pressure. Critical and audience responses varied, with particular attention paid to performances and the period detail. For further background on production notes and critical perspectives, see links to more information: production details, cast interviews, period context, and release information.

Notable facts

Released in September 2013, the film is one of several contemporary movies that revisit late 20th‑century New York as a setting for crime stories. Its focus on a close friendship turned criminal partnership places it within a subcategory of heist films that examine personal relationships as much as the caper itself.