‘Caught Stealing’ Review: Austin Butler Takes NYC In ’90s Crime Comedy Thriller

Darren Aronofsky has the tendency to go full blown bleak tragedy with how he exerts his cinematic tastes, from Requiem of a Dream to Black Swan and more recently The Whale, he has a clear affinity to telling stories of highly troubled characters that are on the brink of insanity, searching for corners of their soul and finding a dark abyss. It’s a clear commitment that correctly identifies Aronofsky as an auteur who doesn’t shy away from his own disturbing encounters with the subconscious, fully embracing the absurdity and shocking profundity of the human experience at its highest and lowest.

Caught Stealing may prove to be a turning point in that regard. Not to say it lacks those distinct characteristics that make his films what they are, but there is a clear shift for something more hopeful and optimistic, not surrendering to the sinister and hopelessness, as some would call it. Aronofsky is in his fun era with his latest feature, and rightly so. A ’90s New York styled riff dark comedy crime thriller clearly homaging Martin Scorsese’s wonderfully underrated After Hours, about the criminal underbelly taking hold of the streets and tearing apart an ex-baseball player’s life, threatening to ruin everything he holds dear as they search for British gangster Russ (Matt Smith) who happens to owe a lot of money to the wrong folk, only to find he is not only missing much to their frustration but to his mistake, given responsibilities to Austin’s character Hank.

From the Russian mob to the Jewish and Puerto Rican factions, a trail of blood follows Hank at his doorstep, as they all seek the man in hiding, and the key that he has concealed from them. Each of them participate in various acts of violence and enforcing threats upon Hank, showing the high stakes that comes with not being a willing participant in fessing up Russ or his possessions that can bring these gang members closer to their treasure quest. From brutal torture methods and unceremoniously killing off his loved ones in cold blood, the message is clear. The New York streets are not a safe space for Hank any longer as his livelihood is in full jeopardy and everything he touches is at risk of dying. That’s what Aronofsky wants you to think at least.

As Hank tries to take back control of his life while the gang wars on the street entangles him in a world of violence, he discovers newfound truths about the Feds he thought were on his side, revealing the corruption of the authorities and the painstaking mystery of Russ’s actions forcing a sudden disappearance. How can one man be wanted so badly to the point another man entirely unrelated can face a lifelong’s share of terror and bloodshed just to find even the slightest hint of information on what the Mohawk fella is hiding.

Austin Butler gives another fantastic performance after his starring roles in Dune: Part Two and Elvis. He really knows how to steal the attention and glue you to the screen with his vulnerability, perseverance and unpredictability in how he manoeuvres a difficult path that lies ahead. Struggling with alcohol addiction and finding himself in deep trouble when he relapses due to the pain threshold he beared, no longer sustainable in his eyes. Matt Smith’s dedication rendition of the funky mohawk British gangster, exudes charisma and sheer chaos, he is simply all over the place – Daemon Targaryen (from HBO’s House of the Dragon) and Doctor Who vibes are present. Combing the two actors and their chemistry is near perfect for a dazzling display of crime, laughs and dramatics, especially during the car and subway chase sequences.

There’s a central romance between Austin Butler and Zoë Kravitz where she takes care of him and tries to help him become a better person who can take care of himself. It’s a sexual, endearing dynamic that goes through big obstacles in the film. Taking steep left turns enough to induce the shock you would come to expect from the director but still fail to prepare for. The beautiful New York scenery, sweeping shots of the subway and confident camera turns make this an engaging theatrical watch that consistently thrills and a quality appetiser.

Overall, Caught Stealing is a very fun movie that reminds you of the maybe not so good old days of New York. Where gang crime was rampant, flats and pubs are so small circled that anyone within the radius is marked for death or at least weaponised against Hank himself. Showing how far he has to overcome to save his own skin in the game and also protect his loving mother. Darren Aronofsky takes it easy this time and lets us enjoy the ride of the criminal world. And who doesn’t love a cat that sticks around.

Caught Stealing is directed by Darren Aronofsky and stars Austin Butler, Matt Smith, Zoë Kravitz, Vincent D’Onofrio, Regina King, Liev Schreiber, Griffin Dunne, Bad Bunny, and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai.

Caught Stealing hits theatres Friday.

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