Austin Butler’s latest film, Caught Stealing, is gearing up for its Netflix debut after struggling to find box office success earlier this year despite favorable feedback from moviegoers. This action-packed thriller, directed by Darren Aronofsky, will arrive on the streaming platform in the U.S. on November 29, aiming to reach broader audiences and gain the attention its fans believe it deserves. The movie‘s arrival on Netflix could reverse its recent fortunes, marking a significant turn for the project.
Aronofsky’s Latest Thriller Moves to Streaming After Theatrical Setback
Darren Aronofsky, who previously directed acclaimed films such as Black Swan and Requiem for a Dream, introduced Caught Stealing to theaters earlier this year. The film, led by Austin Butler alongside Zoë Kravitz, Matt Smith, and Bad Bunny, struggled financially, earning just over $31.1 million at the box office on a $40 million budget. Nonetheless, viewers praised the film’s energetic pace and gripping story during its limited release period.
Plot and Source Material of Caught Stealing
Caught Stealing centers on Hank, a New York City bartender played by Austin Butler, who becomes entangled in a dangerous gang conflict when his neighbor Russ (portrayed by Matt Smith) asks him to watch over his apartment and cat. The high-stakes events unravel after this seemingly simple favor, drawing Hank into a world far more perilous than he anticipated. The film adapts Charlie Huston’s 2004 crime novel, sticking close to the original’s blend of chaos, suspense, and intensity.
Critical Reception and Streaming Hopes
Although the theatrical run was underwhelming, Aronofsky’s film did briefly rise in popularity when available to rent online, securing a spot among iTunes’ top ten movie rentals. Critics have generally responded positively to the film, bestowing it with an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One reviewer stated that Caught Stealing
brings joy, thrills, genuine surprises, fantastic performances, and just enough heartbreak.
According to critics, Director Darren Aronofsky and his cast have delivered a “wickedly entertaining” addition to the genre, offering audiences a suspenseful and gritty experience.
Spotlight on Cast and Their Upcoming Projects
Austin Butler, who headlines as Hank Thompson, is recognized for standout roles in productions like Elvis, Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood, Dune: Part Two, and The Carrie Diaries. His career shows no signs of slowing, with rumors linking him to the sequel Heat 2 and the next version of Miami Vice. Butler is also slated to play Patrick Bateman in Luca Guadagnino’s planned remake of American Psycho.
Matt Smith, who plays Russ, has sustained public interest since his performance as The Doctor in Doctor Who. Familiar to audiences through titles such as The Crown, Last Night in Soho, and House of the Dragon, Smith will soon appear again in the Game of Thrones prequel’s upcoming season. Additionally, he is set for a role in the Star Wars: Starfighter film together with Mia Goth and Ryan Gosling.
Main Characters and Roles
The cast features Austin Butler as Hank Thompson, central to the escalating gang rivalry at the heart of the story. Zoë Kravitz takes on the role of Yvonne, adding depth to the ensemble. Together with appearances from supporting talents like Matt Smith and Bad Bunny, the film crafts a tense and engaging narrative set against the backdrop of New York City’s underbelly.
What the Netflix Release Means for the Film
Caught Stealing’s move to Netflix provides a new opportunity for the film to resonate with a wider segment of viewers who may have missed it in theaters. Given the director’s reputation and the cast’s box office appeal, streaming access could help reframe its status and potentially influence the future of adaptations from authors like Charlie Huston. As the film becomes broadly available, it will be seen if renewed interest changes its cultural footprint or sparks discussion among fans of action and crime thrillers.
