Cover Austin Butler in Darren Aronofsky’s ‘Caught Stealing’
Austin Butler in Darren Aronofsky’s ‘Caught Stealing’
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A funny ride with shocks around every corner. This is why you should see Darren Aronofsky’s ‘Caught Stealing’—warning: spoilers ahead
It’s almost impossible not to snort with laughter one minute and clutch your seat the next during the nearly two-hour whirlwind that is Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing. The movie was entertaining through and through, to say the least, and something you should absolutely add to your watchlist.
Coming into the cinema with little premise of what was to unfold, I found myself genuinely surprised at how much of a rollercoaster this turned out to be. Set against the grimy underbelly of New York, the movie blends humour, brutal violence and enough shock factor to leave me gasping so many times I lost count after five.
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Above Watch ‘Caught Stealing’ trailer here
Aronofsky, known for his emotionally searing dramas, takes a sharp left turn into dark comedy-crime territory, adapting Charlie Huston’s novel with all the absurdity one might expect from a Guy Ritchie film.
At the heart of the madness is Hank (Austin Butler), a former baseball player turned late-night bartender who ends up neck-deep in criminal mayhem after agreeing to look after his roommate’s cat. Butler plays Hank with a disarming mix of innocence and dazed bewilderment, which somehow works.
His chemistry with Yvonne (Zoe Kravitz), his paramedic girlfriend, gives the film a genuine sense of warmth. Despite limited screen time, Kravitz delivers one of her strongest performances to date, and she certainly deserves meatier roles in the future.
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Above Behind the scenes of Darren Aronofsky’s ‘Caught Stealing’
Behind the scenes of Darren Aronofsky’s ‘Caught Stealing’
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Matt Smith, too, is a chaotic delight as Russ, the punk rock neighbour who vanishes and leaves behind nothing but a cat and a bloody mess. The supporting cast is strong across the board, with one particularly cheeky reveal near the end that had the whole cinema laughing aloud.
What elevates Caught Stealing beyond mere genre romp is its commitment to style and unpredictability. The film’s score, courtesy of British post-punk band IDLES, adds a jagged energy to each scene, and the production design nails that grimy, pre-gentrification New York feel.
Admittedly, I found the tonal shifts (from violent brawls to deadpan comedy) a bit of a stretch, but that unpredictability is half the fun. The script is lean and fast-paced, never lingering long enough to lose momentum. Ultimately, Aronofsky’s trademark ability to wring performances out of his cast that stick with you. Caught Stealing is a strange, snarling, stylish piece of cinema that may not be to everyone’s taste… but for those willing to go along for the ride, it’s a wildly enjoyable one.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
