Director Darren Aronofsky ventures into uncharted territory with his latest film, Caught Stealing, a crime thriller that seeks to intertwine dark humor with action. Released in March 2024, the film features a noteworthy cast, including Austin Butler, Zoë Kravitz, and Matt Smith, but ultimately falters in delivering the compelling narrative it promises.
The story centers around Hank Thompson, portrayed by Butler, a bartender grappling with his past as a former baseball prospect. Following a devastating car accident that dashed his major league dreams, Hank relocates from California to New York City. In his new life, he navigates a complex relationship with paramedic Yvonne (Kravitz), who senses Hank’s internal struggles. This fragile romance is soon disrupted when Hank inadvertently becomes entangled with Russian mobsters targeting his neighbor, Russ (Smith), a punk rocker embroiled in illegal activities.
As the plot unfolds, Hank finds himself amidst a chaotic mix of characters, including Detective Roman (played by Regina King), two violent hitmen (portrayed by Vincent D’Onofrio and Liev Schreiber), and a sadistic gangster known as Colorado, played by Benito A. Martínez Ocasio, also known as “Bad Bunny.” To survive and protect those he cares about, Hank must confront his past traumas, leading to a series of escalating confrontations.
Despite its promising premise, Caught Stealing struggles with pacing and character development. Although Aronofsky showcases a visually appealing New York City, vibrant with the essence of the late 1990s, the film’s runtime of 107 minutes feels drawn out. Many supporting characters lack depth, and the narrative often feels disjointed.
One of the film’s few redeeming moments comes in the form of a shocking plot twist that, while impactful, diminishes the stakes too early in the story. This moment establishes the consequences of Hank’s dangerous predicament but fails to maintain audience engagement thereafter. Notably, the film’s most likable character is Bud, Hank’s neighbor’s cat, illustrating a deeper issue with character attachment.
Aronofsky’s attempt to blend crime thriller elements with a comedic tone does not resonate as intended. While there are flashes of potential, such as the impressive cinematography by Matthew Libatique, the overall execution falls short. The performances, while solid, do not elevate the film beyond average. Butler’s charisma holds the lead role together, but the supporting cast, including Smith’s energetic portrayal of Russ, fails to leave a lasting impression.
The film concludes with an animated credit sequence that bursts with creativity, a contrast to the lackluster tone of the preceding narrative. This vibrant representation highlights what the film could have embraced throughout its entirety.
In summary, Caught Stealing showcases Aronofsky’s willingness to experiment outside his usual genre, yet it ultimately struggles to find its footing. While the film possesses moments of intrigue, stunning visuals, and a talented cast, it does not elevate the crime thriller genre as anticipated. The final score reflects this sentiment, landing at a modest 6.0. The film’s potential is evident, but it leaves viewers wishing for a more cohesive and engaging experience.
