Overview

• Critics single out Butler’s charismatic lead performance as the film’s anchor, describing him as carrying the action and emotional stakes.
• Reviewers frame the movie as a genre shift for Aronofsky toward a propulsive New York crime thriller, even as his signature fixation on bodily punishment remains.
• The tone and storytelling draw mixed notes, with praise for momentum and dark humor alongside critiques of heavy exposition, uneven cohesion and a controversial early turn.
• Set in 1998 NYC, the film’s grit and pace are amplified by Matthew Libatique’s cinematography and a colorful ensemble including Zoë Kravitz, Matt Smith, Regina King, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio and Bad Bunny.
• Sony confirms the theatrical opening for August 29, with Rob Simonsen composing the score and IDLES performing all soundtrack songs and contributing four pieces to the score.