Caught Stealing is a gripping crime drama that masterfully blends intense action with psychological depth, set against the gritty backdrop of 1990s New York City. Typical of the crime genre, it includes elements such as a complex underworld, moral ambiguity, and high-stakes conflicts. What sets it apart is its unique protagonist—Hank Thompson, a burned-out ex-baseball player—whose personal struggle intertwines with the criminal landscape, adding layers of vulnerability and grit. The dynamic between Austin Butler's Hank and Liev Schreiber's Ed brings nuanced portrayals of survival and loyalty, distinguishing the series from other crime titles by focusing on character-driven storytelling within a vividly realized era and environment.
Critics' Reviews
60
Darren Aronofsky isn’t a director who tends to cut loose. His comfort zone is exploring the darkest depths of misery (Requiem For A Dream), Biblical apocalypses (Noah, mother!), and characters chasing oblivion (The Wrestler). But while there are typically Aronofskian themes at play in Caught Stealing, it is, ostensibly, the filmmaker having fun — a gritty, pacy, propulsive crime thriller, adapted from Charlie Huston’s novel, that grabs Austin Butler by the ankles and drags him screaming further and further into New York’s criminal underbelly. It’s quite the pivot from 2022’s The Whale.
90
A tight, twisty script, meaningful stakes, a top director (Darren Aronofsky), and an A-plus cast have delivered a satisfyingly sharp thriller, “Caught Stealing.” It is also the most powerful PSA for wearing your seatbelt than any movie since the one they showed us in high school Driver’s Ed.
Full Cast of Caught Stealing
Austin Butler
Hank Thompson
Fans of Austin Butler might enjoy his role in 'Caught Stealing' because it showcases a fresh and intriguing facet of his acting repertoire, diverging from his most iconic portrayal of Elvis Presley in 'Elvis'. While his performance as Elvis was deeply charismatic and musical, embodying the legendary rock 'n' roll icon with intensity and nuance, his role in 'Caught Stealing' offers a more raw and gritty character study, allowing him to explore complex emotions and moral ambiguity. An interesting detail about his casting is that Butler reportedly prepared extensively by studying real-life cases of theft and deception, adding a layer of authenticity to his character that fans might find surprising and compelling.
Liev Schreiber
Ed
Liev Schreiber delivers a compelling performance as Ed in 'Caught Stealing,' showcasing his ability to portray complex characters with subtle intensity and emotional depth. Unlike his more physically imposing roles such as in the 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' series, here Schreiber taps into a nuanced vulnerability, making Ed both relatable and intriguing. His portrayal stands out for its restrained yet gripping tension, highlighting his versatility as an actor. A trivia fact: Liev Schreiber is not only an accomplished actor but also a director and producer, adding a rich understanding of storytelling to his performances.
Zoë Kravitz
Yvonne
In the movie 'Caught Stealing,' Zoë Kravitz delivers a compelling performance that showcases her versatility and depth as an actress. This role stands out in her career by highlighting her ability to embody complex characters in a gritty, suspenseful narrative, differing from her previous roles often associated with more mainstream or genre projects. Unlike her better-known work in big-budget films and series, Kravitz's portrayal in 'Caught Stealing' offers a raw and nuanced exploration of moral ambiguity, which has been praised by critics for its authenticity and emotional intensity. This performance not only broadened her acting repertoire but also demonstrated her commitment to taking on challenging and diverse roles, marking a significant evolution in her artistic journey.
Regina King
Detective Roman
Tenoch Huerta Mejía
Tulum Bartender
Griffin Dunne
Paul
Yuri Kolokolnikov
Aleksei
Bad Bunny
Colorado
Matt Smith
Russ
Will Brill
Jason
Crew of Caught Stealing
Full backstage crew list →- Released August 26, 2025