Darren Aronofsky, well-known for his dark, psychologically intense films such as Black Swan and The Whale, left the fans surprised with Caught Stealing. In a striking contrast to his usual style, the film is a stylish, bloody, and wildly entertaining crime thriller. The film is an adaptation of Charlie Huston’s 2004 novel of the same name, and Darren has swapped his usual heavy introspection for a more commercial, high-energy ride, staying true to the original script. However, his signature intensity still lurks beneath the surface.
Austin Butler leaves the audience in a trance with the gritty tale, with a stylish edge
The film is a true retro film at its core, set in the Lower East Side of 1998, the film captured the urban decay with extreme authenticity and flair. From subway tile credits to graffiti-covered doors and streets piled with trash, Danner has truly channelled the 1990s New York. Austin Butler plays the role of ‘Hank’ in the film, a former high school baseball star turned into an aimless bartender, whose life spirals into chaos after his eccentric neighbour ‘Russ’ (Matt Smith) leaves him in charge of a cat.
