Caught Stealing: Darren Aronofsky’s Dark Yet Entertaining NYC Thriller

Isla Actwright4 hours agoLast Updated: August 26, 2025

‘Caught Stealing’ Review: Darren Aronofsky Teams Austin Butler And A Irresistible Cat Named Tonic Fo...

It has been exactly 40 years since Martin Scorsese stunned audiences with the wild 1985 classic After Hours, and now director Darren Aronofsky pays homage by including that film’s star Griffin Dunne in his latest crime drama Caught Stealing. Set in the East Village of NYC, this movie is an unexpected blend of dark violence and surprisingly commercial entertainment, showcasing a different side of the filmmaker best known for intense works like Pi, Requiem for a Dream, The Wrestler, Black Swan, The Whale, and mother!.

At the heart of this gritty story is Austin Butler as Hank Thompson, a struggling bartender haunted by past mistakes. Once a promising baseball player, Hank’s career ended after a tragic drunk-driving accident. Now sober and trying to rebuild his life with the support of his EMT girlfriend Yvonne (Zoë Kravitz), Hank finds himself unwillingly dragged into the NYC criminal underworld after agreeing to take care of his neighbor’s pet Maine Coon cat, Bud.

That neighbor, Russ (Matt Smith), is a punk rocker with dangerous ties. Soon, Hank is assaulted by Russian mobsters, stumbles upon a mysterious key hidden in Bud’s litter box, and becomes entangled in a violent chase involving mobsters, corrupt cops, and the terrifying Orthodox Jewish brothers Lipa (Liev Schreiber) and Shmully (Vincent D’Onofrio). With Detective Elise Roman (Regina King) closing in and Russ resurfacing to reclaim what’s his, Hank’s night spirals into a brutal yet gripping struggle for survival.

What makes Caught Stealing stand out is Aronofsky’s sharp direction, aided by cinematographer Matthew Libatique, who captures the raw essence of 1990s New York City. From Brighton Beach to Shea Stadium, the film feels authentic and alive. Editor Andrew Weisbaum keeps the pacing tight, especially in the adrenaline-filled chase sequences.

Butler delivers a career-affirming performance, balancing emotional vulnerability with raw physicality. His bond with Bud the cat brings unexpected heart to the chaos, making audiences root for their survival. Supporting performances from Regina King, Zoë Kravitz, Matt Smith, and Carol Kane add depth and variety, while Schreiber and D’Onofrio steal scenes with a unique mix of menace and humor.

Production designer Mark Friedberg deserves credit for authentically recreating the East Village atmosphere of the late ’90s, adding depth and texture to the film’s setting.

For fans of Aronofsky, Caught Stealing offers something fresh: a crime-thriller that’s still dark and violent but also surprisingly fun and accessible, with a magnetic lead performance and an unforgettable feline sidekick. Thankfully, despite the dangers Bud faces, the film spares him from the fate described in the novel—leaving audiences with a sigh of relief and a surprisingly uplifting ending.

Caught Stealing proves that even Aronofsky, master of disturbing cinema, knows how to entertain while keeping his edge.

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