Austin Butler Shares the Spotlight with a Scene-Stealing Feline in “Caught Stealing”
A charming cat may ultimately steal the show despite Austin Butler’s leading role in “Caught Stealing,” a darkly comedic thriller set in 1998 New York City. The film, directed by Darren Aronofsky, unfolds a complex narrative involving a stolen fortune, a hapless cat sitter, and a surprisingly observant feline.
A British punker, portrayed by Matt Smith, initiates the chaotic events by entrusting his cat to neighbor Hank Thompson (Butler) while making a swift escape. Thompson, a former baseball player now working as a bartender, is initially reluctant to take on the responsibility. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when thugs arrive seeking the missing neighbor, leaving Thompson hospitalized after a brutal assault.
Thankfully, Hank alerts the authorities, leading to the involvement of a seasoned detective, skillfully played by Regina King, who recognizes familiar patterns from past cases. She informs him that two Orthodox Jews, Liev Schreiber and Vincent D’Onofrio, are also investigating the situation. Soon, Hank finds himself navigating the streets of New York with the cat, desperately seeking answers to the mystery surrounding millions of dollars and the reason for the thugs’ interest.
The cat, a veteran of the film industry named Tonic, appears to hold a crucial piece of the puzzle, though it remains stubbornly tight-lipped. Butler’s character endures a series of increasingly bizarre encounters, including a missing kidney, while attempting to unravel the truth. Aronofsky masterfully maintains the film’s momentum and ironic tone, utilizing the cat effectively and preventing Butler from falling into overly mannered performance territory.
According to reviews, the scenes featuring Schreiber and D’Onofrio offer a welcome contrast to the intensity of the Russian-speaking mobsters who initially set the plot in motion. While Zoe Kravitz, playing Hank’s girlfriend, is underutilized, she provides a crucial motivation for his actions. The film’s 1998 setting is also noteworthy, with Aronofsky including visual references to the World Trade Towers and then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani, grounding the narrative in a specific historical context. A brief cameo by Carol Kane adds a touch of levity, as Hank finds himself in a situation where he’s strongly encouraged to indulge.
When the punker finally reappears, it becomes clear who is ultimately in control. Despite its occasionally convoluted plot – particularly considering Hank’s recent medical setbacks – “Caught Stealing” showcases Butler’s versatility as an actor. One critic noted that his performance is a departure from his roles in “Elvis” and “Dune, Part 2,” suggesting he is entering a phase reminiscent of early Brad Pitt and possesses the potential to become a leading man for decades to come.