When his punk-rock neighbour asks him to take care of his cat for a few days, New York City bartender Hank Thompson suddenly finds himself caught in the middle of a motley crew of threatening gangsters who all want a piece of him.
Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing is a chaotic, high-octane dive into the criminal underworld of 1990s New York City. It combines violence, humour, and the unpredictability of life in the fast lane. At its core, the film follows Hank Thompson, played by Austin Butler. Hank was once a promising high-school baseball star whose dreams were derailed years earlier in a tragic accident. Now he works as a bartender and enjoys a decent relationship while following his favourite baseball team. Hank’s life seems stable until he agrees to watch a neighbour’s Maine Coon cat, a simple task that thrusts him into a dangerous world of gangsters, underworld dealings, and escalating chaos.
Aronofsky, known for his intense films Black Swan and Requiem for a Dream, softens his usual bleak intensity. He delivers a chaotic, darkly comedic story that carries energy similar to Danny Boyle and Guy Ritchie. The film often evokes the rapid-fire action of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch. Quick editing, sudden plot twists, and eccentric characters keep viewers on edge. At times the film slows and becomes darker, giving weight to Hank’s backstory and the city’s criminal landscape.
Austin Butler anchors the film as Hank. The character is relatable but frustrating. He cocky, but also passive and indecisive, often failing to assert himself or take responsibility. This makes his encounters with the criminal world both exasperating and compelling. Butler balances these flaws with glimpses of humanity, especially in his care for the cat and protective instincts toward his girlfriend Yvonne, played by Zoë Kravitz. By the film’s climax, Hank grows more resourceful and courageous, providing a satisfying character arc. He may not be immediately likeable, but the audience roots for him as an underdog.
Zoë Kravitz is magnetic as Yvonne. From the start, she brings charisma and intelligence, grounding the story and giving Hank a moral anchor. Her presence dominates the early act, but as Hank is drawn deeper into the underworld, the focus shifts to his journey. Kravitz balances charm, authority, and warmth, making Yvonne a crucial part of the story.
The ensemble cast adds unpredictability and fun. Our favourite Marvel villains Sabretooth and Kingpin (Liev Schreiber and Vincent D’Onofrio) play violent Orthodox Jewish brothers, creating tense and memorable sequences. Matt Smith, famous as Doctor Who, sports a mohawk and punk attire, delivering a quirky performance as Hank’s eccentric neighbour. Bad Bunny appears as a flamboyant Puerto Rican gangster, providing humour and menace reminiscent of a Guy Ritchie caper. Secondary characters, including Regina King as a poker-faced detective and Griffin Dunne as a grizzled biker boss, bring depth and texture, making New York’s criminal ecosystem feel vivid and lived-in.
Visually, the film is gritty and claustrophobic. Matthew Libatique’s cinematography relies on handheld camera work, tight framing, and dimly lit interiors. The close-ups, which could feel intense even on a small screen, translate effectively to the cinema, amplifying tension and danger. The textures of the city, its grime and decay, heighten the sense of threat and chaos.
The soundtrack by post-punk band Idles contributes anarchic energy. Their driving music complements the chaotic plot and eccentric criminal encounters. The score enhances tension and amplifies dark humour, reinforcing the film’s unpredictable tone.
Charlie Huston’s script balances twists with humour. Hank’s encounters with gangsters, violent brothers, and eccentric characters provide constant surprises and keep the story engaging. These sequences echo the cleverness of classic capers, while Aronofsky allows darker moments to give the story more emotional weight.
The film has minor flaws. Hank’s passivity early on can frustrate viewers, and certain sequences linger on brooding atmospheres, slowing the otherwise energetic story. The slower parts contrast with the rapid action of other scenes, creating an uneven rhythm. However, the strong ensemble cast and Butler’s evolving performance maintain engagement, and the slower sections add depth to character development rather than halt the narrative.
For those who enjoy crime capers with wit, grit, and unpredictability, Caught Stealing delivers a thrilling ride. Its blend of action, eccentric encounters, and dark humour makes it a memorable entry in modern crime-thriller cinema. Hank Thompson may not be the most likeable hero at first, but his journey from passive bartender to resourceful survivor makes the film compelling. With Kravitz’s strong performance and a lively supporting cast, Caught Stealing is a fast, violent, and fun story set in the chaotic heart of New York’s criminal underworld.
Caught Stealing is being released in NZ cinemas from August 28, 2025.
Find your nearest screening here
Find your nearest screening here