Caught Stealing

"Caught Stealing" (2025, dir. Darren Aronofsky) is a gritty crime thriller based on Charlie Huston's pulp novel, following ex-baseball player Hank Thompson (Austin Butler) entangled in 1990s NYC underworld capers involving a cat and heists. Pre-release materials emphasize tense action, dark humor, and survival stakes over politics. Diverse cast (Zoë Kravitz, Regina King) reflects urban realism without forced identity politics or social justice lectures. No evident progressive messaging; prioritizes raw storytelling akin to Aronofsky's non-preachy style. Minimal woke elements.