Caught Stealing is a grungy look back at late 90s New York life, which I absolutely love seeing on screen. However, this movie gets to third base but doesn't quite hit the home run I was hoping for. It's not because of the story, cinematography, or directing. Those elements are genuinely great, it's because of the amazing cast of characters we meet along the way, all of whom deserve their own stories.
New York seems to be having a moment as we come to the end of summer 2025, first with Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest set in contemporary times focusing on a wealthy family, and now Caught Stealing, which dives deep into the gutter street punk life of the late 90s. I was hoping for more of that punk rock aesthetic throughout, but it really only shows up when Russ (Matt Smith, aka Dragon Daddy), Hank's neighbor, graces the screen with his mohawked presence.
Russ and Hank Caught Stealing played by Dragon Daddy and Baby Elvis
A Brutal Crime Caper That Doesn't Pull Punches
Director Darren Aronofsky doesn't shy away from the gross moments of torture that define this underworld tale. The film goes deep into uncomfortable territory and definitely isn't for the faint of heart. From up-close shots of puking and overflowing toilets to surgical staples being sadistically snipped, Caught Stealing commits fully to its grimy aesthetic. Yet beneath all that brutality are some genuinely great chase scenes that make this a lot of fun as a dark crime caper.
The story follows Hank (Austin Butler, aka Baby Elvis), a former baseball phenom turned bartender whose life spirals into chaos when he agrees to watch his neighbor's cat. What starts as a simple favor quickly escalates into a violent odyssey through late 90s New York, complete with Russian thugs, Hasidic hitmen, and enough beatings to put Hank in the hospital minus a kidney.
Caught Stealing Hasidic Hitmen going for a walk with Baby Elvis
Strong Performances Anchored by Butler's Commitment
Austin Butler delivers an excellent performance that meets both the emotional and physical demands of connecting to Hank's character. He perfectly embodies the harried athlete haunted by PTSD nightmares and a career-ending tragedy, while also convincingly handling the film's numerous action sequences that put his character's baseball skills to good use.
However, I do feel like Zoë Kravitz was underused in this movie. While I understand how her character Yvonne impacts the story and serves as motivation for Hank, and I respect those story choices, I wanted significantly more of her on screen. The early chemistry between Butler and Kravitz is so strong that it's genuinely disappointing when the film doesn't give them more opportunities to develop their characters' relationship.
Austin Screening of Caught Stealing hosted by Fons PR
A Supporting Cast That Deserves Their Own Films
The thing that left me wanting more in this movie were the fascinating supporting characters, particularly the Hasidic hitmen Lipa (Liev Schreiber aka Sexy Sabertooth) and Shmully (Vincent D'Onofrio aka Edgar Suit). While they eventually get substantial screen time, I'd love a whole movie devoted to these two characters. Their dynamic is both terrifying and oddly compelling, representing the kind of creative character work that makes Caught Stealing memorable even when the main plot feels overly familiar.
The film introduces so many intriguing personalities—from Bad Bunny's volatile club owner Colorado to Carol Kane's nice Jewish mother Bubbe, that you're left wanting more from each of them. It's both a strength and a weakness; the rich character gallery keeps things interesting but also makes the focused narrative feel somewhat limiting.
Austin Butler serving drinks a Dirty Bills in Austin
NYC as the Ultimate Character
Perhaps the film's greatest success is in capturing late 90s New York City as a character unto herself. Aronofsky, returning to his old stomping grounds after the disappointing The Whale, seems revitalized by the familiar territory. The film serves as a rollicking Big Apple odyssey, complete with loving callbacks to landmarks like Kim's Video, Shea Stadium, and Coney Island's Nathan's Famous. From Flushing Meadows to Brighton Beach, late-night diners to Shabbat dinners, the city pulses with authentic energy that grounds even the most outrageous plot developments.
Final Verdict
Caught Stealing is a fun dark crime caper that offers a brutal but entertaining watch. It's a genuine love letter to the gritty New York of the late 90s, complete with period-perfect soundtrack and locations that will make anyone nostalgic for that era of the city.
The film succeeds as a satisfying late-summer offering that benefits greatly from Butler's magnetic performance and the director's clear affection for his subject matter. It may not be the punk rock masterpiece I was hoping for, but it's an engaging crime thriller that captures a specific time and place with authentic grungy flair. Sometimes a solid ground-rule double is enough to keep you entertained, even when you were swinging for the fences.
A solid crime caper elevated by strong performances and authentic NYC atmosphere, held back only by wanting to be more than its focused narrative allows.
Caught Stealing releases nationwide on August 29, 2025. The movie is rated R for a ton of things and runs for 107 minutes. Punk Never Dies…Just like Ska
Caught Stealing Screening with Austin Butler, Matthew McConaughey, and Darren Aronofsky