Darren Aronofsky’s latest film, Caught Stealing, has generated significant attention since its preview at CinemaCon in March 2024. The crime thriller, which marks a departure from Aronofsky’s typical darker narratives, features an ensemble cast including Austin Butler, Zoë Kravitz, and Regina King. Despite the intriguing premise and star power, many viewers find that the film fails to deliver the engaging experience suggested by its trailer.
The story centers on Hank Thompson, portrayed by Austin Butler, a blue-collar bartender in New York City. Once an aspiring baseball player, Hank’s dreams came crashing down after a devastating car accident. Now, he navigates life far from his California roots, tending bar and engaging in a casual romance with paramedic Yvonne, played by Zoë Kravitz. Yvonne senses Hank’s unresolved emotional issues, adding complexity to their relationship.
Hank’s life takes a dramatic turn when he crosses paths with Russian mobsters while caring for his neighbor’s cat. His neighbor, Russ, portrayed by Matt Smith, has become embroiled in extralegal activities that attract dangerous attention. The conflict escalates as Hank finds himself entangled with a narcotics detective, played by Regina King, and two menacing hitmen, portrayed by Vincent D’Onofrio and Liev Schreiber.
While the components of Caught Stealing appear promising, the film struggles to find its rhythm. Critics note that Aronofsky’s unique style does not mesh well with Charlie Huston’s material. The film features commendable cinematography by Matthew Libatique and effectively utilizes its vibrant New York setting, capturing the essence of the late 1990s. However, the pacing feels disjointed, with the 107-minute runtime dragging as the plot unfolds.
Supporting characters are often underdeveloped, and while there are moments of shock and intensity, they fail to maintain viewer engagement. A pivotal scene introduces significant stakes but diminishes the emotional investment as the story progresses. The film’s most endearing character is surprisingly Bud the Cat, overshadowing the human cast with its charm.
Performances throughout the film are competent but lack the spark needed to elevate the material. While Butler brings charisma to the lead role, the supporting cast, including Schreiber and D’Onofrio, delivers more energy in the latter half of the film. Critics argue that Caught Stealing aspires to be a witty crime comedy but lacks the essential humor and cleverness that would make it memorable.
The film concludes with an animated credit sequence that showcases a vibrant, creative style absent from the overall experience. This closing moment highlights the potential flair that could have enhanced the film’s narrative, leaving audiences wishing for more consistency throughout.
Overall, Caught Stealing is not a total failure but rather a missed opportunity for Aronofsky to explore new genres. With its striking visuals and solid production values, the film has redeeming qualities. Yet, it falls short of becoming an exceptional addition to the crime thriller genre. The film currently holds a score of 6.0, reflecting its average reception among critics and audiences alike.