I watched Caught Stealing with high expectations because Darren Aronofsky usually delivers bold and memorable work. He made films like Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan, The Wrestler, and The Whale. Each of those films had a strong vision, emotional weight, and a sense of control over the chaos. With this new film, I was hoping to see something on the same level, but I left feeling it was uneven.
The story follows Hank, played by Austin Butler, a former baseball player who gets caught in a dangerous mess after agreeing to watch his neighbor’s cat. The setup is quirky and could have been fun, but the execution feels rushed. The plot moves fast from one violent or chaotic scene to the next, and while that keeps the energy high, it also makes the story feel like it’s trying too hard to shock instead of letting tension build naturally.
Aronofsky still shows flashes of his style. There are moments where the camera work and mood are gripping, and you can tell he’s experimenting with tone. But this time the mix doesn’t always come together. The film jumps between gritty thriller and dark comedy, and those shifts don’t feel smooth. Compared to his past films, where mood was carefully controlled, here it feels like he’s a little lost in what kind of movie he wants to make.
As for Austin Butler, I’ll admit I’m not his biggest fan. He has presence and tries to bring depth to Hank, but I often found the supporting cast more interesting. Actors like Zoë Kravitz and Regina King bring energy and steal their scenes. Butler does enough to carry the film, but he never fully convinces me he’s the broken, desperate character Aronofsky wants him to be.
What I did enjoy was the setting. The film takes place in New York in the late 1990s, and it feels alive with its dirty bars, chaotic streets, and underground corners. The atmosphere works well, and there are twists that briefly raise the stakes. Still, the characters don’t get enough development, and some exist only to push the plot forward. That weakens the emotional pull that usually makes Aronofsky’s stories powerful.
In the end, Caught Stealing has style and some fun moments, but it’s not as deep or impactful as I expected. Aronofsky aimed for a wild, pulpy ride, and in parts he achieved that, but it doesn’t hold together in the way his best films do. Butler is fine, but he doesn’t elevate the film. I tried to be fair with him, as I do with all his projects, but I can’t say this performance changed my view. It’s a watchable movie, but not one I’ll remember for long.