Austin Butler Charms in 'Caught Stealing,' a Stylish 90s Thriller

Darren Aronofsky's latest film, "Caught Stealing," starring Austin Butler and Zoë Kravitz, offers a "freewheeling throwback" with a surprisingly lighthearted tone. The movie centers on Hank Thompson, a former baseball phenom whose life takes a dangerous turn when he agrees to cat-sit for his neighbor, plunging him into a world of gangsters he doesn't understand.

Key Takeaways

• Caught Stealing" boasts a 84% Tomatometer score from 251 reviews and an 83% Popcornmeter score from over 1,000 verified ratings.

• The film is praised for Austin Butler's "movie star charisma" and Zoë Kravitz's performance.

• Director Darren Aronofsky is noted for a "surprisingly lighthearted gearshift" and "having fun.

• Critics describe the movie as a "diverting, pulpy caper with ‘90s flair," "gritty, violent ride," and "brutal but also thrilling."

A Stylish Throwback

"Caught Stealing" has garnered positive attention for its "90s flair" and "freewheeling" nature. Critics have highlighted the film's ability to blend "screwball yet shockingly brutal" violence with compelling performances. Austin Butler, in particular, is lauded for his charismatic portrayal of Hank Thompson, a "sweet-natured loser who feels real pain."

Aronofsky's Lighter Side

Director Darren Aronofsky, known for his intense and often dark films, appears to be exploring a more playful side with "Caught Stealing." Reviewers have noted a "surprisingly lighthearted gearshift" and suggest that Aronofsky is "finally having fun." This shift in tone, combined with the film's pulpy crime narrative, seems to have resonated well with both critics and audiences.

Audience Reception

Audiences have also responded positively to "Caught Stealing," describing it as a "good mix of comedy with elements of suspense" and a "very entertaining" ride. Many viewers have praised the cast's performances, with specific mentions of Austin Butler "coming into his own" and the film reminding them of cult classics like "Snatch" and "Smoking Aces."

Film Details

The film, rated R for pervasive language, brief drug use, some sexuality/nudity, and strong violent content, runs for 1 hour and 47 minutes. It was released wide in theaters on August 29, 2025, with a streaming release on September 30, 2025. The movie was produced by Columbia Pictures and Protozoa Pictures, with Charlie Huston penning the screenplay.

Sources

• Caught Stealing | Rotten Tomatoes, Rotten Tomatoes.