Caught Stealing Trailer, Fun Facts & Review

Caught Stealing Synopsis:

A former baseball player, Hank Thompson (Austin Butler), now a bartender, Hank's life takes an unexpected and dangerous turn when his punk-rock neighbor, Russ (Matt Smith), asks him to cat-sit for a few days. This simple request plunges him into a dangerous underworld, pursued by ruthless criminals and a corrupt detective. Hank must use his wits and determination to survive the overwhelming danger and stay alive in this dark story of an ordinary man caught in extraordinary circumstances.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Release Date: In theaters August 29th, 2025

Caught Stealing Fun Facts:

1990s New York Setting:
The movie takes place in the criminal underworld in New York City during the 1990s.

Based on a Book:
The movie is based on Charlie Huston's book from 2005 that shares the same title, which is the initial installment in his "Hank Thompson" series. Huston also created the script for the movie.

Directed by Darren Aronofsky:
The movie is directed by Darren Aronofsky, who is well known for directing the movies "Black Swan" and "The Wrestler."

Star-Studded Cast:
The movie features an impressive group of casts, including Austin Butler playing Hank Thompson, along with Zoë Kravitz, Regina King, Matt Smith, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D'Onofrio, and artist Bad Bunny.

Guy Ritchie Vibes:
The movie trailer has gained attention for its quick edits, witty criminals, and chaotic "wrong-man" theme, prompting many to liken its approach to the vibe of Guy Ritchie.

Source: youtube

Caught Stealing Review:

Darren Aronofsky takes a bold shift away from his recent, darker projects with Caught Stealing, an intense and darkly comedic crime thriller that resembles the edgy, fashionable New York films from the late 1990s. Although this movie moves away from his typical psychological themes, it remains a tightly paced, energetic, and highly enjoyable adventure that shows Aronofsky still knows how to create chaos in a clever way.

The movie features Austin Butler as Hank Thompson, a once-promising baseball player who is now tending bar in the Lower East Side. Hank's peaceful existence is disrupted when he agrees to look after a cat for his punk-rock neighbor, Russ. This simple task soon pulls him into a dangerous world filled with Russian mobsters, a corrupt police detective, and notably, a pair of intimidating Hasidic Jewish gangsters, played by Liev Schreiber and Vincent D'Onofrio. What happens next is a nonstop, brutal, and frequently comical pursuit as Hank tries to make his way through a landscape of violence and danger, all while simply trying to stay alive.

Austin Butler gives an incredible performance as the overwhelmed lead character, skillfully blending Hank's deep emotional struggles with a vulnerable approach that viewers can connect with. He is the heart of the movie, and his performance grounds the increasing craziness happening around him. The supporting cast is just as remarkable, with Matt Smith, Zoë Kravitz, and a standout performance by Regina King adding great depth. The film’s setting in 1998 plays a significant role, expertly depicted through a soundtrack from that time, and a unique atmosphere before the existence of smartphones brings both authenticity and tension to the storyline.

While some reviewers have pointed out that the film's transition between dark humor and extreme violence can be unsettling, it is this very balancing act that makes Caught Stealing so fascinating. Aronofsky and cinematographer Matthew Libatique create a visually beautiful and fast-paced story that seldom slows down. The storyline, which is based on Charlie Huston's novel of the same title, is filled with unexpected surprises that keep viewers guessing until the very end. This film clearly understands its identity: it is a fast-paced, exciting show filled with a dark essence. For those seeking an intense and thrilling movie experience, Caught Stealing truly delivers.