Spoiler-Free 'Caught Stealing' Review

Photo Credit: Sony Pictures

CinemaBums was honored to attend an early screening of Darren Aronofsky’s newest film, Caught Stealing. Read our spoiler-free review below.

In the landscape of 2025's cinematic offerings, Caught Stealing stands out as a pulse-pounding thriller that delivers on its promise of high-stakes drama and unexpected turns. Directed by Darren Aronofsky and based on Charlie Huston's novel, this film follows Hank Thompson, a washed-up baseball player turned bartender, who gets entangled in a web of crime involving a stolen cat and dangerous mobsters in 1990s New York City. From the opening scenes, it's clear this isn't your typical heist movie—it's a wild, adrenaline-fueled adventure that keeps you guessing.

What makes Caught Stealing so engaging is how relentlessly fun it is. The pacing is breakneck, blending gritty realism with moments of dark humor that will have you chuckling amid the tension. The twists feel fresh and clever without ever veering into predictability. When you think you've figured out the plot, Aronofsky pulls the rug out from under you, leaving you eager for the next revelation.

At the heart of it all is Austin Butler's stellar performance as Hank. Fresh off his acclaimed roles in Elvis and Dune: Part Two, Butler brings a magnetic intensity to the character—a mix of vulnerability, charm, and raw desperation that makes Hank's downward spiral both heartbreaking and riveting. He embodies the everyman thrust into chaos, and his physicality in the action sequences is nothing short of impressive. Zoë Kravitz and Matt Smith also deliver amazing performances that help ground Austin’s character throughout the film.

Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. Cinematographer Matthew Libatique's work is beautifully shot, capturing the neon-soaked streets of NYC with a stylistic flair that echoes Aronofsky's signature aesthetic. The use of shadows and sound design heightens the urgency, making every frame feel alive and purposeful.

Even though it isn't perfect—some supporting characters feel a tad underdeveloped—it's a really fun film that reminds us why we go to the movies: for escapism, excitement, and a great story. If you're in the mood for a thriller that doesn't take itself too seriously but still packs a punch, Caught Stealing is well worth your time.

In theaters August 29th, 2025.