Caught Stealing Has Captured Critics’ Attention, With One Performance Really Driving The ‘Scuzzy Misfit’ Of A Crime Caper

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Few filmmakers have left me feeling as disoriented as Darren Aronofsky. From ‘Requiem for a Dream’ to ‘Mother!’, we’ve ventured into some grim territories over time. However, it seems that for his upcoming movie in 2025, titled ‘Caught Stealing‘, the director might be exploring a new direction. Preliminary reviews of this crime thriller suggest an unpolished or gritty feel to the movie, with Austin Butler leading an impressive ensemble cast.

Titled after Charlie Huston’s book, “Caught Stealing” is a cinematic interpretation penned by the author himself. The narrative revolves around Hank Thompson, previously a professional baseball player, whose life takes an unexpected turn as he becomes entangled in New York City’s criminal underbelly during the 90s. In TopMob’s appraisal of “Caught Stealing”, Eric Eisenberg opines that the film is almost cliché but manages to offer a captivating mystery that blends excitement and amusement. He awards it a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, remarking in his critique:

“Caught Stealing” leans toward being derivative but eventually presents an intriguing mystery filled with both thrills and entertainment.

Aronofsky’s movie version of the novel “City of Conspiracy” by Charlie Huston offers a fresh shift in tone, showcasing another facet of his exceptional talent. It’s undeniable that it maintains its gloomy scenes, which contribute to the development of its character arcs and high-stakes drama. However, Aronofsky doesn’t shy away from adding a touch of style and charm as he unveils his humorous neo-noir mystery, populated with vivid characters.

The reviewer from TopMob similarly acknowledges that everyone in the cast appears to be enjoying their characters, with Austin Butler standing out as the most radiant. This same appreciation for the cast is echoed by David Fear from Rolling Stone, who applauds Liev Schreiber and Vincent D’Onofrio as the Drucker brothers, but singles out Butler for demonstrating his ability to command a leading role. Fear further states that this performance solidifies Butler’s status as a true leading man.

You might be drawn into this retro thriller due to the director associated with it. However, upon leaving, you’ll recognize that it isn’t a new Darren Aronofsky production but rather Austin Butler’s debut film. This rising star isn’t captivating audiences because he portrays an alabaster alien madman, or the King of Rock & Roll, or a backup dancer in a chorus line supporting a more prominent name. Instead, he depends solely on his raw screen presence and stardom. Remarkably, Austin Butler effectively commands attention without needing to share limelight with intellectual property, prosthetics, or a more celebrated co-star.

According to Caryn James from THR, the movie “Caught Stealing” is an “exciting, intricate, and in the end, brutally violent heist story.

Caught Stealing, directed by Darren Aronofsky, showcases Austin Butler’s captivating charm and impressive performances from an array of esteemed actors, marking a more commercially oriented film than Aronofsky’s previous works. While it may not match the depth of psychological exploration found in Black Swan, which many consider his best work, it still stands out compared to even his most mainstream films like The Whale. Interestingly, this production is remarkably glossy and polished, a quality that other Aronofsky movies lack, yet he executes it with finesse.

Peter Debruge from Variety is among several critics who highlight the significant role New York City plays in setting Hank’s narrative, showcasing its rich tapestry of diverse cultures and individuals. Debruge refers to the film “Caught Stealing” as a gritty and unconventional movie, suggesting that it might not be as far removed from his other productions as one might initially think. Furthermore, Debruge comments:

In contrast to the deeply personal character depictions in Pi, The Wrestler, and The Whale by Pi director Aronofsky, Caught Stealing might seem a departure. However, it brings viewers remarkably close to Hank, much like with his other characters. For Butler, this role may not be as glamorous as those in Elvis or Dune, but stripped down to simple heather gray underwear, his star power remains undiminished.

As a cinephile, I must confess that the recent crime thriller I watched didn’t quite hit the mark for me. According to IndieWire’s Kate Erbland, this movie earns a C+ grade, suggesting that it missed its target with its gritty and unconventional style.

In her review, Erbland praises the final act for capturing the essence of what director Darren Aronofsky was trying to achieve. However, she notes that the journey leading up to this point fails to deliver the punch it intended. In other words, while the ending is compelling, the rest of the movie just doesn’t pack the same punch.

Caught Stealing is quite gruesome, containing elements of violence such as blood, gore, bones, vomit, feces, and urine, along with an unexpected organ removal. Despite its bleak and gritty nature, it really comes alive when it embraces dark humor and absurdity. In essence, one might say that this crime drama could have benefited from being more humorous or consistently consistent with its own unique qualities, especially when it suggests glimpses of something much more engaging lurking just beneath the surface. So, you might wish for a bit more humor in the film, or at least for it to better reflect its promising potential.

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2025-08-29 23:39