A Refreshing Plunge Into Fun: Darren Aronofsky's 'Caught Stealing'

Darren Aronofsky, a director often known for his profound and pensive films, has stunningly played a wild card with his new screen adventure, 'Caught Stealing'. While my bond with Aronofsky's craft is unlike those with any of my other beloved modern directors, it consistently affirms my fascination. From the first time 'Pi' graced my high school years to the present, Aronofsky's creations, though not always fit for seconds, have undoubtedly left an indelible mark. A case in point is 'Requiem For A Dream'; compelling, but certainly a one-hit wonder in my collection as I doubt I'll ever revisit it.

'Caught Stealing', an adaptation of Charlie Huston's novel, is an enjoyable tonal shift by Aronofsky. The film is the metaphorical palate cleanser you didn't realize you were yearning for after three decades of Aronofsky's enchanting yet grim cinema. It immerses viewers into a landscape of vibrant personalities and suspenseful stakes, while introducing a groovy, slick side of Aronofsky wrapped in a comically eerie thriller.

Austin Butler, fresh off his stint as the King of Rock and Roll, leads as Hank Thompson, a faded baseball star turned bartender following a life-altering car crash. At his New York watering hole, Butler's Hank nurtures an unlikely romance while tending bar and caring for a troublesome neighbourhood cat - an innocuous favour that sends him spiraling into a mess of criminal mayhem.

A swirl of Russian mobsters, inaudible Hasidic gangsters and a turbulent club owner results in Hank's violent rendezvous with inter-gang war. Hank's petkeeping draws the unwanted attention of a crime-laden trio led by the likes of Yuri Kolokolnikov, Benito A Martínez Ocasio, and Liev Schreiber. His only hope is a dauntless detective care of Regina King who leaves her calling card during his recuperation from a mobster beatdown.

Recalling the spirit of thrills spun by movie greats such as Shane Black, Guy Ritchie, or Joel and Ethan Coen, 'Caught Stealing', embroidered with '90s nostalgia, manages to conjure up some delightful surprises despite trading some originality for familiarity. Charlie Huston's screenplay satisfyingly keeps the suspense crisp by skillfully planting unexpected turns and seeding doubts about who among its quirky cast can be relied upon.

While the plot has its wobbly moments, colonization on tried-and-true tropes, it recovers nimbly due to the creative style and the captivating performances. Stand-outs include a chameleon-like Matt Smith as Hank's edgy punk neighbour and the peculiar Russian enforcer brilliantly portrayed by Nikita Kukushkin.

Austin Butler, who has been showcasing his impressive range lately, crafts Hank as charismatic and relatable. He is a flawed hero we can’t help but root for as he navigates his way out of a deadly nightmare resulting from a string of bad luck and worse decisions. Aronofsky uses Butler's noteworthy talent to explore the character's trauma and captivity, while simultaneously showcasing venturous directions for his directorial skills.

In pursuit of something new and exciting, Aronofsky fills 'Caught Stealing' with moments of joy - a hearty bar carol, thrilling chases through classic New York streets and a strangely adorable crime-solving feline.

Stacked against Aronofsky's notable repertoire, 'Caught Stealing' lands somewhere in the middle. Nonetheless, it’s a refreshing break from his signature deep emotional narratives like 'Requiem For A Dream', 'The Wrestler', 'Black Swan', or 'The Whale', offering a cool, occasionally tantalising, and truly entertaining diversion.