Plot Summary: When his neighbor asks him to take care of his cat, a former baseball prodigy now working as a bartender finds himself in the middle of gangsters without knowing why. He must use all his cunning to survive and understand what is happening.

Director: Darren Aronofsky

Writer: Charlie Huston

Runtime: 1 hour 47 mins

• Austin Butler as Hank Thompson
• Regina King as Detective Roman
• Zoe Kravitz as Yvonne
• Griffin Dunne as Paul
• Matt Smith as Russ

Review by: Samuel

The film follows Hank Thompson (played by an exceptional Austin Butler), a charming but deeply traumatized ex-baseball prodigy turned bartender who finds himself at the center of a bloody treasure hunt across New York City. The catalyst is a seemingly innocent cat left in his care, which holds a hidden key that a rogue cop, Russian mobsters, and a pair of ruthless Orthodox Jewish brothers are willing to kill for.

What I Liked:

Austin Butler is, without a doubt, the film’s beating heart. His performance as Hank is a masterclass in subtle complexity. The first act takes its time, allowing the audience to truly get to know Hank before the chaos ensues. We learn of his past as a promising baseball star and the accident that derailed his career. The film expertly shows rather than tells us about his trauma. We see him jolting awake from nightmares and notice the tell-tale signs of a functioning alcoholic—glimpses into his fridge and apartment reveal a person who, despite a healthy relationship with his girlfriend Yvonne (Zoe Kravitz) and a smooth-talking exterior, is using alcohol to cope with deep-seated pain. When the narrative kicks into high gear, Butler carries the immense weight of the story, serving as the constant in a whirlwind of eccentric characters. He is a truly magnetic presence, making it easy to root for him as his world crumbles.

While the central plot serves as little more than a vehicle for the character interactions, it’s the ensemble that makes “Caught Stealing” shine. The supporting cast is a murderers’ row of talent, with each performance elevating the film. Matt Smith is a standout as Russell, the foul-mouthed drug dealer whose journey reveals a surprising and touching connection to his father. He delivers much of the film’s best comedic relief, and his role in the unraveling of the plot is both hilarious and surprisingly poignant. Regina King is equally fantastic as Detective Roman, the officer investigating the case. King’s performance is so convincingly antagonistic that you may find yourself harboring a genuine dislike for the character—a true testament to her skill.

The film saves its best for last, introducing Vincent D’Onofrio and Liev Schreiber as a pair of Orthodox Jewish gangsters. Their dynamic, a mix of casual banter and cold-blooded murder, is nothing short of mesmerizing. Their effortless rapport and chillingly nonchalant violence are a highlight of the third act, providing a perfect crescendo of tension and dark humor.

Additionally, Aronofsky’s direction is visually compelling, utilizing wide-angle shots during chase sequences to provide a full scope of the action. The nighttime cinematography is particularly impressive, with lighting that creates a moody and atmospheric New York.

What I Didn’t Like:

Now  the film isn’t without its flaws. The abrupt deaths of several key characters felt jarring and underserved, particularly in the first act. It’s as if an interesting character’s arc was cut short just as it was beginning to take shape. This happens with a few characters, leaving their stories feeling incomplete.

Additionally, while Aronofsky adds his own unique touch to the crime genre, the film could have benefited from borrowing one more element from its Ritchie-esque influences: a more prominent musical score. Some high-octane scenes feel a bit too quiet, missing the propulsive energy a strong soundtrack could have provided.

Lastly, the ending also feels a bit too tidy given the sheer amount of death and destruction.

Images Courtesy of IMDB