Caught Stealing

This is a (very) dark comedy. This is a very entertaining film. This is a surprise.

As you might expect from the above, I didn't have high expectations going in to see this - I'd seen the trailer, and wasn't convinced. However, it turned out I was wrong.

The cast really gave this film some welly. It almost seems wrong to single out anyone, but Butler, King, Kravitz, and Smith, clearly enjoyed their roles. Some of the other characters, notably Kukushkin, gave the film both an edge and humour.

The Director kept the movie pacing along, for what turned out to be a highly entertaining and fun film. The plot was vaguely bonkers, but worked well, and had some really tense, and some very funny moments; not always an easy juxtaposition to get right. The script was sparing, and well balanced.

It's nice to be proved wrong occasionally. This is a film well worth seeing.

I caught an advanced screening of Caught Stealing (2025) in theaters this evening. The storyline follows a California transplant living in New York who agrees to watch his neighbor's cat while the man is away caring for his sick father. Soon, a series of strangers begin showing up at his apartment, demanding to know his neighbor's whereabouts, and subjecting him to brutal beatings and torture in the process. What are they after-and can he find a way to help them before he, and everyone he knows, ends up dead?

This picture is directed by Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream) and stars Austin Butler (Elvis), Zoë Kravitz (The Batman), Matt Smith (House of the Dragon), Liev Schreiber (Scream), and Regina King (The Harder They Fall).

The story is clever and unpredictable, often feeling like a Guy Ritchie crime caper-but rooted deeply in a gritty, authentic New York setting. The cast delivers elite performances, and the plot is packed with sharp twists and turns. The cinematography and camera angles are equally impressive, enhancing the tension and style throughout.

The action is top-tier: abrupt fight scenes, thrilling car chases, sudden bursts of gore, and intense shootouts that all land with impact. Even the subplots, particularly those tied to the chases and crashes, are smartly executed. The ending is immensely satisfying, and the soundtrack is brilliant.

In conclusion, Caught Stealing isn't perfect, but it's an unpredictable and worthwhile rollercoaster of violence, intensity, and action. I'd score it a strong 7.5-8/10 and strongly recommend it.

If you watch the movies of Darren Aronofsky ("Black Swan", and "The Wrestler") you know that they are often dark and look at the bad things of life. With this entry "Caught Stealing" set in late 1998 in New York City, it's a deep dive into a scary and complex underworld, where no one is whom them seem. Ex baseball player Hank(Austin Butler) who's now down on his luck and earning a living behind the bar and not the plate, and his life changes drastically all of a sudden one day when he's given a cat, soon he has a group of criminals hot on his tail. Thru it all no one is whom or what they seem as the film takes twist and turns with action, car chases, and blood and violence. The wild card character of the film is shady police detective Roman(the super great Regina King). The movie has also some funny moments and Hank has plenty of flashbacks of pain, sugar and spice and plenty of eye candy is given from Zoe Kravitz as she gives a sexy turn with her time on screen as Hank's sexy exotic girl Yvonne(loved the scenes of her in that orange/ red colored like bra, and the nipple rings were A okay!). Overall this may not be a classic from Darren still it's an entertaining thrill ride that after plenty of crashes ends with a man and his cat who have clawed the way to a new life to live happily ever after!

Caught Stealing is a wild, almost slapstick crime thriller that feels like a Coen Brothers movie set in the gritty, pre-gentrification New York of the late '90s. I loved how the film captured the city's vibe, from the seedy bars to the run-down apartments.

Austin Butler does a great job grounding the chaos with his "wrong place, wrong time" character. But honestly, the standout for me was the cat, Bud. It's a hilarious and surprisingly important part of the story, and the animal acting is a highlight.

I went in expecting another dark psychological drama and came out thoroughly entertained by a fast-paced and witty caper.

This film was incredibly pacy and action packed. The story was terrific, the cast was amazing, and the performances were excellent.

Austin Butler delivered a superb performance. Ever since I saw him in Elvis, The Bikeriders, and most of all Dune: Part Two, he has become one of my favourite actors right now. His acting style is just so unique and special compared to what we usually see today. This film is another great addition to his filmography, and another great director that he's worked with. Zoë Kravitz, Matt Smith, Regina King, Vincent D'Onofrio, Liev Schreiber, and Benito Martínez Ocasio were all superb as well.

One of my favourite parts about this film is the character development that the protagonist goes through. He is a very different person at the beginning of the film compared to the end of the film.

Overall, this was a terrific film and a very enjoyable watch.

"If you can't bite, don't show your teeth."

• Bubbe.