Darren Aronofsky Releases New Crime Thriller Caught Stealing in New York

Caught Stealing, directed by Darren Aronofsky and based on Charlie Huston's novel, is a 2025 dark comedy crime thriller set in late 1990s New York City. The film stars Austin Butler as Hank Thompson, a former baseball prospect and bartender who becomes entangled in the city's criminal underworld after agreeing to pet-sit a neighbor's cat, which unknowingly holds a key to a drug deal. The movie features a mix of well-known actors and unexpected casting choices like rappers Action Bronson and Bad Bunny, and it draws stylistic and thematic inspiration from films like Martin Scorsese's After Hours and the John Wick franchise, though it subverts certain tropes, such as replacing the typical dog-inciting incident with a cat. Adaptations from the book include a softened portrayal of Hank's willingness to kill and streamlined villain roles, focusing more on his hesitation and survival instincts. Critics have praised Butler's performance and the film's unpredictable narrative, highlighting it as an entertaining and fresh take on crime thrillers. The film also reflects Aronofsky's recurring exploration of alienation and gritty urban environments, reaffirming his connection to New York City's cinematic landscape.