Caught Stealing Review: Austin Butler Shines in Aronofsky’s Crime Thriller

Darren Aronofsky’s new film, “Caught Stealing,” is a slick crime thriller. It stars Austin Butler in a magnetic lead performance. The movie is a significant departure for the acclaimed director.

It is his most commercial and accessible film to date. The story is set in New York City’s gritty Lower East Side in 1998. A bartender gets caught in a dangerous web of criminal pursuit.

Plot and Setting of Caught Stealing

Austin Butler plays Hank, a former baseball prospect. A past injury ended his promising athletic career. He now tends bar in a grungy downtown establishment.

The atmosphere is intensely specific to its late-90s period. Gentrification had not yet fully transformed the neighborhood. The setting is a character in itself, complete with crumbling subway tiles.

Hank’s life turns chaotic after agreeing to catsit for his neighbor. That neighbor is Russ, played by Matt Smith. Russian thugs soon arrive, demanding hidden drug money.

Hank knows nothing about the money or Russ’s dealings. He is violently thrust into a world of danger. He must use his wits to survive the relentless pursuit.

Star-Studded Cast and Performances

The film features an impressive ensemble cast. Regina King plays a detective Hank hopes can help him. Zoë Kravitz appears as Hank’s girlfriend, a paramedic named Yvonne.

Liev Schreiber and Vincent D’Onofrio portray Hasidic brothers. Their characters are surprisingly lethal. D’Onofrio’s character delivers a memorable line about not driving on the Sabbath.

Benito Martínez Ocasio, known as Bad Bunny, plays a dapper Russian crime boss. Griffin Dunne and Carol Kane also appear in strong supporting roles. According to Reuters, the cast’s performances are a major highlight.

Butler carries the film with a compelling and physical performance. He convincingly portrays a man in over his head. His character must evolve from aimless bartender to resourceful survivor.

“Caught Stealing” is a violent, twisty, and unexpectedly buoyant caper. It proves Darren Aronofsky’s skill within a purely commercial genre. This crime thriller is a stylish and effective summer entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who directed the movie Caught Stealing?

Darren Aronofsky directed Caught Stealing. He is known for films like Black Swan and The Whale. This project marks a new, more commercial direction for his work.

What is the plot of Caught Stealing?

The plot follows a bartender hunted for a hidden fortune. Austin Butler’s character is wrongfully targeted by criminals. He must outrun various threats to stay alive.

Where is Caught Stealing set?

The film is set in New York City’s Lower East Side. The time period is the year 1998. The gritty setting is a crucial element of the story.

Is Caught Stealing based on a book?

Yes, it is based on a novel by Charlie Huston. The book was originally published in 2004. Huston also wrote the screenplay adaptation for the film.