Reviews
Caught Stealing
The most surprising thing about Caught Stealing is that it comes from Darren Aronofsky. Known for the dark, weighty tones of Requiem for a Dream, Mother!, and The Whale, Aronofsky hardly seemed like the director you’d expect to deliver an action-comedy. Yet with Caught Stealing, he makes the leap effortlessly, crafting what feels like the epitome of a fun summer movie.
Caught Stealing, written by Charlie Huston and adapted from his own novel, follows Hank (Austin Butler, Elvis), a former high school baseball prodigy whose dreams were cut short by a tragic accident. Set in 1998, Hank now works as a bartender in New York City, but his quiet life is upended when his British neighbour, Russ (Matt Smith, Doctor Who), asks him to look after his cat. What seems like a harmless favour quickly spirals into chaos, pulling Hank into a violent criminal underworld that crashes through his front door. Already struggling to maintain his relationship with Yvonne (Zoë Kravitz, The Batman), this latest twist threatens to turn his entire life upside down.
From there, the twists keep coming, and for the most part, they’re as engaging as they are entertaining. Hank is relentlessly pursued by Russian mobsters, two murderous Orthodox Jewish gangsters, and a no-nonsense detective (Regina King, If Beale Street Could Talk), all while trying to protect Yvonne and his new cat, Bud. Each encounter pushes him deeper into the absurdity and unpredictability of the events unfolding around him, making for a relentless, darkly comedic rollercoaster that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
Hank spends much of the movie getting beaten up and drinking, and it’s here that some of the hallmarks of an Aronofsky film emerge. Aronofsky doesn’t shy away from showing the struggles of substance addiction amid all the comedic mayhem, and though it’s handled subtly, it’s a brilliant touch that adds depth to the story.
Because Hank is the heart of Caught Stealing, much of the film’s success rests on Austin Butler. And “star” is no exaggeration, he steals nearly every scene, and you genuinely feel his absence whenever he’s offscreen. It’s one of his finest performances to date, and the first time he’s fully convinced me that he has the presence to anchor Hollywood blockbusters for years to come.
Butler is backed by an impressive supporting cast that includes King, Kravitz, and Smith. King brings her trademark authority, while Kravitz adds a cool, understated edge. But it’s Smith who truly shines, especially in his scenes with Butler, where his impeccable comedic timing and electric chemistry deliver some of the film’s most memorable moments.
While it can feel rough around the edges at times, Caught Stealing is consistently captivating. The brilliantly choreographed and occasionally gruesome action sequences (trigger warning: animal lovers may want to look away) keep you on the edge of your seat, while the comedic moments came as a welcome treat, with nearly every joke landing perfectly.
Overall, Caught Stealing is the kind of movie that, despite not having box office success, will find a devoted audience when it hits streaming services and they’ll have a thoroughly enjoyable experience. There’s definitely room for a sequel, and based on the strong work from both Aronofsky and Butler (and Bud the cat), it would be more than welcome.
