Austin Butler delivers a compelling performance in the upcoming film Caught Stealing, which hits theaters on August 29. Directed by Darren Aronofsky, the movie showcases Butler’s ability to carry a story with a natural, effortless charm while portraying a flawed yet relatable character struggling with the consequences of his past.
An Unconventional Role for Butler Under Aronofsky’s Direction
In Caught Stealing, Butler plays Hank Thompson, a bartender from New York with roots in California, who dreams of being a baseball player but is haunted by a severe knee injury sustained in a drunk-driving accident a decade prior. This injury not only ended his athletic aspirations but also continues to cause him nightmares. The film adapts Charlie Huston’s novel, with Huston himself handling the adaptation to better match Butler’s nuanced portrayal, blending Hank’s Californian warmth with a gritty New York backdrop.
Hank Thompson’s World: Loyalty Within a Dangerous Neighborhood
Hank’s character distinguishes himself by his attentiveness to the people around him, a trait that sets him apart in the fast-paced, often indifferent environment of New York’s Lower East Side. Unlike most locals, Hank acknowledges and helps a homeless man near his apartment. He also takes on the responsibility of caring for his neighbor Russ’s cat while Russ, a drug-dealing punk with an orange mohawk, is mysteriously absent. This openness both endears Hank to those around him and eventually draws him into peril.
When Russ vanishes, various criminal factions converge on his apartment in search of an unknown key. The first intruders violently assault Hank, leaving him hospitalized and missing a kidney. Overwhelmed yet resourceful, Hank must navigate the dangerous underworld to protect himself and those he cares about, including the eccentric characters that inhabit this gritty urban landscape.
A Rich Ensemble Cast Brings Depth to a City’s Underbelly
The film’s support cast enhances the story with vibrant and carefully crafted roles. Hank’s girlfriend Yvonne, a spirited paramedic played by Zoë Kravitz, offers emotional support amid the chaos. Regina King portrays a steadfast police detective, while Griffin Dunne appears as Paul, a weathered biker boss who adds a grounded presence. Russian mobsters, portrayed by Nikita Kukushkin and Yuri Kolokolnikov, along with two ruthless Orthodox brothers played by Liev Schreiber and Vincent D’Onofrio, add layers of threat and unpredictability.
A standout moment comes from Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny, who makes a memorable cameo as a volatile gangster, injecting a Guy Ritchie flair that Aronofsky’s style deliberately contrasts with. While Aronofsky opts for subtlety and realism instead of flashy direction, the film captures a darkly humorous tone reminiscent of crime capers like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Dunne’s involvement hints at Aronofsky’s homage to Martin Scorsese’s After Hours, with cinematographer Matthew Libatique reinforcing a raw and authentic urban atmosphere.
Hank’s Journey: A Subtle Battle Against Despair and Danger
Throughout Caught Stealing, Hank attempts to evade further violence and navigate the threats posed by those hunting for Russ’s key. Unlike typical action heroes, Hank’s athleticism is understated yet vital—his baseball skills translate into quick, agile moves, such as sliding under a truck or wielding a bat defensively. Despite this, he is no trained assassin but a man overwhelmed by regret and survival instincts.
The script weaves in elements that deepen Hank’s character, such as his capacity to forgive rather than seek revenge, and his patience with Russ’s irritable cat, Bud—an ornery Maine Coon who bites everyone except Hank, symbolizing a rare bond. In an unusual touch for the genre, Hank even makes time to call his mother, revealing a depth and normality often overlooked in stories of crime and violence.
A Movie Rooted in New York’s Varied Culture and Geography
Caught Stealing goes beyond the typical city crime drama by exploring New York’s diverse neighborhoods and cultures. Hank’s journey spans several iconic locations, including Flushing Meadows in Queens, famous for Shea Stadium and the Unisphere, as well as Brooklyn’s Coney Island and Brighton Beach. This geographical breadth adds texture to the film, highlighting the cultural mosaic that shapes Hank’s world.
A Departure Yet Close Connection to Aronofsky’s Previous Work
Unlike enough films from Darren Aronofsky’s recent lineup—which largely premiered at the Venice Film Festival—this one debuts in theaters the same weekend it returns to its home city, aiming to build momentum through word of mouth. Although Caught Stealing marks a stylistic shift from the director’s more internal and intense character studies like Pi, The Wrestler, and The Whale, it still provides an intimate look at Hank’s emotional state, making the audience feel deeply connected to his struggles.
For Austin Butler, the role is less about flashy spectacle than previous ones such as in Elvis or Dune, yet it undeniably cements his rising star status. His portrayal of Hank strips away glamour to reveal a thoroughly human and flawed figure, presenting perhaps his most relatable performance to date.
