Caught Stealing

Directed by Darren Aronofsky, Caught Stealing follows Austin Butler’s Hank as he’s embroiled in criminal happenings after agreeing to watch his neighbor’s (Matt Smith’s Russ) cat. Filmmaker Aronofsky delivers a propulsive thriller that boasts, at its core, a tremendously appealing lead performance, as star Butler offers up a compelling, sympathetic turn that effectively anchors the proceedings and propels the narrative forward – with the actor’s superb efforts matched by an agreeably eclectic supporting cast that includes Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Zoë Kravitz. Caught Stealing does, as well, benefit substantially from a consistently-surprising storyline that never quite unfolds as one might’ve initially anticipated (ie the picture’s second half is much darker than its comparatively lighthearted opening stretch), and it’s clear, too, that Aronofsky’s stylish approach to Charlie Huston’s screenplay enhances the watchable (and increasingly spellbinding) atmosphere – which, when coupled with a satisfying climax, ultimately confirms the movie’s place as a superior endeavor and one of Aronofsky’s very best films.

***1/2 out of ****