Caught Stealing is a gritty, darkly comic crime thriller directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Austin Butler, Regina King, Zoë Kravitz, and Matt Smith. Set in 1998 New York, it’s a stylish plunge into chaos that balances high tension with surprising moments of humor and retro flair.
Synopsis
Hank Thompson (Austin Butler) is a former high-school baseball phenom turned bartender whose life has quieted down — until a simple favor for his punk-rock neighbor, Russ (Matt Smith), pulls him into a tangled web of danger. Asked to watch a cat for a few days, Hank suddenly finds himself pursued by threatening gangsters and corrupt figures who want answers he doesn’t have. With his survival instincts tested at every turn, Hank must rely on his grit and hustle to stay alive.
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Review
Caught Stealing is an engaging crime caper that thrives on energy and character. Aronofsky pivots from his usual psychological intensity into a more crowd-pleasing genre piece, all while keeping visual flair and propulsive pacing. The film’s ’90s New York backdrop feels lived-in and textured, and the story’s twists and turns keep you guessing without overcomplicating matters.
Austin Butler anchors the film with a magnetic performance, portraying Hank’s descent from bartender to reluctant survivor with both vulnerability and raw charm. The supporting cast — including Zoe Kravitz and Regina King — adds depth and spark to the chaotic journey, making even brief appearances memorable.
What Caught Stealing does best is blend gritty thrills with a quirky sense of humor and old-school crime-story sensibilities. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it delivers a satisfying, stylish ride that’s as fun as it is tense. With strong performances and a kinetic rhythm, this is a crime thriller that earns its keep.
Caught Stealing is currently streaming on Netflix.
Verdict: A gritty, chaotic, and entertaining caper — Caught Stealing showcases strong performances, confident direction, and a throwback flair that will appeal to fans of character-driven crime thrillers.
Where to watch Caught Stealing (2025)
