Aronofsky’s ‘Caught Stealing’ Earns Early Praise for Austin Butler and a 1990s NYC Noir Pivot
Critics emphasize a stylish genre shift powered by meticulous cultural detail.
Overview
- The film opened in wide release on August 29, 2025 through Sony/Columbia, drawing notices for a darkly comic crime-noir set in 1998 New York.
- Austin Butler’s performance as Hank is widely credited with anchoring the tone, with reviews highlighting his charisma and intensity.
- The ensemble includes Zoë Kravitz, Regina King, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, Carol Kane, Griffin Dunne and Action Bronson.
- For authenticity in portraying Hasidic characters, the team employed Yiddish coach Motl Didner, chose a Hungarian dialect, and shot a Shabbos scene on location in Crown Heights.
- Coverage also points to a brief mid-credits cameo without revealing plot specifics or outcomes.