Austin Butler delivers a compelling performance as Hank Thompson in the intense crime thriller Caught Stealing, directed by Darren Aronofsky. The film, set within New York City’s gritty underworld, explores the turmoil of a man entangled in circumstances far beyond his control, showcasing Butler’s range in a role that probes the flaws and complexities of human nature.
Exploring the Tense Relationship Between Hank and Yvonne
In Caught Stealing, Hank Thompson, portrayed by Austin Butler, is romantically involved with Yvonne, a paramedic played by Zoë Kravitz. Their interactions reflect a blend of closeness and growing distance, marked by subtle shifts in their dialogue that signal an emotional divide. Early on, their exchange carries an implicit promise of connection, with Hank saying, “I’ll call you later,” met by Yvonne’s reply, “You’ve got my number.” However, this warmth cools in their final interaction, replaced by a terse “Mhm-hmm.”
Zoë Kravitz sheds light on this change, revealing the ambiguity and concern underlying Yvonne’s feelings.
I feel like she’s really questioning if he’s going to be okay–I think she’s worried about him in general–but I think she also realizes tha they’re not on the same page, and maybe won’t be on the same page.
—Zoë Kravitz
She further explains that Yvonne’s initial insistence that Hank holds the initiative in reaching out symbolizes a shift in their dynamic.
Even the concept of ‘Call you later, you have my number,’ I think, is Yvonne saying ‘The ball is in your court. I’m not going to call you. You call me. You know how I feel. When you get there, let me know.’
—Zoë Kravitz
This moment reveals growing frustration from Yvonne, who seems to be reaching her limit with the imbalance in their relationship.
That’s kind of her being a little bit fed up with that dynamic.
—Zoë Kravitz
How Austin Butler Embodied the Flaws of Hank Thompson
Austin Butler’s role as Hank Thompson in Caught Stealing contrasts with his past physical transformations for roles like Feyd-Rautha in Dune: Part Two and Elvis Presley in Elvis. Instead of focusing on external appearance, Butler immersed himself in understanding Hank’s internal struggles and contradictions.
Butler describes his approach to the character:
I approached him just trying to understand him as much as possible; what really makes him tick.
—Austin Butler
He admits that some of Hank’s behaviors puzzled him and challenged his instincts.
There were certain things that he does that I felt I would go, ‘Why are you doing that, man? This is the right way to do it.’
—Austin Butler
Initially, Butler considered altering parts of the script to make Hank’s actions more rational, but ultimately realized that these imperfections represent the inherent messiness of humans.
I even almost wanted to approach the writing and change things, but then I realized those are human things. Those are the messiness of us as human beings.
—Austin Butler
This reflection helped Butler connect deeply with the role, prompting him to recognize his own past mistakes and imperfections.
[It made me] look at myself and go, ‘Oh, man, I’ve had so many times where I’ve done stupid things, or made mistakes, or been imperfect.’
—Austin Butler
The Actors Reflect on Early Career Development and Growth
Hank Thompson’s backstory includes once promising potential as a high school baseball star before suffering a career-ending injury. This foundation helps shape Hank’s current struggles, and both Butler and Kravitz drew parallels between their characters’ growth and their own early careers.
Butler shared his perspective on personal growth through experience:
I still feel that I have so much to learn, so I look back and I just see each thing as a learning experience.
—Austin Butler
He acknowledges the importance of making mistakes as a crucial part of development:
I look back and I see each thing as a learning experience where, at the time, I know I was doing my best, but … you have to make mistakes in order to learn, and I’ve made so many of those on camera.
—Austin Butler
He also reflected on the vulnerability involved in early performances, noting, All of it is documented, and the challenge of growing as an artist.
moments of not having truth or whatever, and then it’s like nails on a chalkboard. And you go back the next day, and you’re trying to find it more.
—Austin Butler
Zoë Kravitz echoed the sentiment about learning on the job, emphasizing the value of early roles beyond screen time.
I think [with] all your early jobs, it’s not necessarily just about what you see on screen. It’s also about taking that risk, getting the experience of being on a set, and deciding who you want to be as an actor, and how you work with directors and all of that.
—Zoë Kravitz
She added,
I think you learn so much in those early jobs, even if you’re a day player with one line, you’re learning a lot.
—Zoë Kravitz
Caught Stealing’s Impact and Future Resonance
Currently playing in theaters, Caught Stealing highlights Darren Aronofsky’s ability to blend a crime thriller with deeply human storytelling. Austin Butler’s portrayal of Hank Thompson offers a raw, conflicted character study marked by emotional tension and flawed humanity. The film’s exploration of fractured relationships and internal struggles sets it apart, engaging audiences with a powerful sense of unresolved tension.
The performances of Butler and Kravitz anchor the narrative’s intensity, illustrating themes of uncertainty, accountability, and vulnerability amid the dangers of New York’s criminal world. As viewers witness Hank’s descent and Yvonne’s growing doubt, the film invites reflection on what drives people to make imperfect choices and how they cope with the consequences.
Given Aronofsky’s track record and Butler’s nuanced work, Caught Stealing may serve as a significant entry in crime drama cinema, offering both emotional depth and suspense. Audiences and critics alike continue to respond positively, reinforcing the film’s potential to spark further discussions about human complexity within high-stakes settings.
