Rent Caught Stealing (2025)

Aronofsky Drops the Drama, Grabs the Gun - Caught Stealing review by griggs

Sometimes directors take a hard left turn, and this one feels like Aronofsky loosening his collar. Known for psychological intensity and heavy allegory, he’s never gone near a fast-paced crime caper before. Caught Stealing is so far removed from his usual weighty style that I was hesitant going in, but what unfolds is fast, unruly, and surprisingly good fun.

The film rides on pure momentum. Scenes tumble into each other with a restless energy, violence sparking as quickly as the jokes land. It never settles long enough to feel safe, and that volatility is part of its charm. Aronofsky directs with a wink rather than a scowl, and the shift suits him.

Much of the pull comes from the cast. Performances are sharp, lived-in, and a little unhinged—characters who could have been clichés instead feel bracingly alive. Even when the story frays, the actors carry it, powering through with grit and sly humour. Caught Stealing may not be classic Aronofsky, but as a sidestep, it proves he can trade intensity for verve without losing his touch.

Violent, Gonzo Crime Thriller - Caught Stealing review by GI

A zany, darkly humoured and violent crime flick from director Darren Aronofsky, which is very entertaining and filled with bizarre characters. Austin Butler stars as Hank, a washed up former baseball star whose fall from grace is told in a series of flashbacks. The only good thing in his life is his girlfriend played by Zoë Kravitz. His life takes a very nasty turn when his mohican haired English neighbour Russ (Matt Smith) asks him to look after his cat, which leads to him getting seriously beaten up by some Russian gangsters. As events around Hank get worse he has to find some resolve to fight back. And events really do go in some very unexpected directions. Brilliantly plotted and with some laugh out loud moments this is weird, fun and gloriously gonzo. I did find Hank recovered a little too quickly from a major tragedy during the events of the story but with it's great cast that includes Liv Schreiber, Carol Kane, Vincent D'Onofrio and Laura Dern has a mid end credits cameo this is a recommended film to check out. Surprisingly good.