Austin Butler proves he can carry a film with ease in Darren Aronofsky’s latest, Caught Stealing, set to open in cinemas on 29 August. Playing Hank Thompson, a California-born bartender living in New York, Butler imbues the character with a laid-back charm that ensures none of the supporting cast overshadows him. The role marks Butler’s most relatable yet, despite Hank’s encounters with violence and the criminal underworld.
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Aronofsky’s film follows Hank navigating life in a sketchy Lower East Side walk-up, showing kindness to neighbours and even cat-sitting for his unpredictable neighbour, Russ (Matt Smith). This friendliness proves both his vulnerability and his strength, as he faces Russian mobsters and other colourful criminal elements. Hank’s encounters leave him hospitalised after a brutal assault, but he continually prioritises protecting innocents over revenge.
The ensemble cast enhances the film’s vivid world, featuring Zoë Kravitz as Hank’s feisty paramedic girlfriend, Regina King as a poker-faced detective, and Griffin Dunne as a worn-down biker boss. Cameos from Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Bad Bunny add layers of unpredictability and humour, while Aronofsky captures the city’s diverse energy, reminiscent of Guy Ritchie’s early work. Hank’s athleticism and street smarts elevate his everyday heroism, with inventive sequences like a baseball bat-wielding Chinatown chase highlighting his skills.
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Aronofsky departs from the stylistic flashiness of his recent films, favouring a grounded, character-driven approach. Butler’s performance, stripped down in understated moments, anchors the film, showing both vulnerability and charm. The narrative, spread over several days, navigates New York’s varied neighbourhoods from Queens to Brighton Beach, accentuating the city’s vibrant culture. Caught Stealing offers a fresh, engaging take on Aronofsky’s filmmaking, pairing tense action with genuine human warmth and Butler’s undeniable stardom.
