Sometimes even the most well-crafted films slip through the cracks at the box office — no matter how much talent is attached.
One of 2025’s clearest examples is Caught Stealing, a darkly comedic crime thriller directed by Darren Aronofsky and led by Elvis star Austin Butler. Despite the powerhouse pairing, the film didn’t get the theatrical attention it deserved but its arrival on Netflix is finally giving viewers a chance to discover what they missed.
Netflix Is Now Streaming 2025’s Best Crime Thriller and You Probably Haven’t Seen It
Sometimes, even the most compelling films slip under the radar at the box office, no matter the talent attached.
One such movie this year is Caught Stealing, a comedic crime thriller directed by Darren Aronofsky, starring Elvis actor Austin Butler in the lead role.
Unfortunately, audiences missed it in theaters, leaving this gem largely overlooked. But there’s good news: it’s catching fire now that it’s available for streaming. Here’s why you should check out Caught Stealing on Netflix.
Austin Butler Shines as the Hapless Hero
Butler delivers a standout performance, perfectly balancing charm and clumsiness as his character navigates a world of crime and chaos. His portrayal elevates the film, making every twist and turn feel both thrilling and hilarious.
It’s been clear for some time that Austin Butler is a star on the rise, even if his post-Elvis projects haven’t yet found blockbuster success. In a film brimming with talent, Butler carries Caught Stealing as Hank Thompson, an ordinary guy thrust into extraordinary danger. Think of it as a darker, higher-stakes version of The Big Lebowski except here, the consequences are real, and Hank usually ends up on the losing side.
Hank isn’t a criminal when the story begins. He simply agrees to look after his neighbor’s cat. What Russ Miner (Matt Smith) fails to mention is that some extremely dangerous people will be coming after him. Since they can’t find Russ, they target Hank, unleashing a wave of terror. Butler masterfully captures Hank’s growing fear and frustration, and by the time he decides to fight back, it’s already too late to escape the chaos.
The Supporting Cast Shines
Matt Smith is almost unrecognizable from his Doctor Who days, fully embracing a punk-rock criminal persona as Russ. He delivers a sharp, captivating performance, but he’s far from the only standout in the supporting cast. Zoë Kravitz, Regina King, Bad Bunny, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, and even comedy legend Carol Kane all leave memorable marks, adding depth, humor, and intensity to the film’s chaotic world.
Out of the ensemble, Zoë Kravitz is somewhat underused compared to her co-stars. Regina King, however, commands the screen as Elise Roman, a corrupt cop relentlessly pressuring Hank to reveal what he knows about the money Russ stole from her employers. Elise may be the film’s most amoral figure, but even she has her boundaries.
Liev Schreiber and Vincent D’Onofrio portray Jewish crime bosses Lip and Shmully Drucker, while comedy icon Carol Kane makes a delightful extended cameo as their mother, Bubbe. Bad Bunny stands out as Colorado, a terrifying enforcer whose presence adds a palpable sense of menace to the story.
‘Caught Stealing’ Recaptures the Vibes of ’90s New York
Darren Aronofsky has helmed some of the most acclaimed films of the past three decades, yet Oscar recognition has always eluded him. Caught Stealing isn’t likely to change that—it’s not the dazzling, hallucinatory experience of Black Swan or Requiem for a Dream. Instead, it captures the gritty spirit of late-’90s New York, evoking the tone of Quentin Tarantino-style crime films that dominated that era.
While it may not be as overtly funny as a true Tarantino classic, the film balances darkly comedic moments with shocking deaths and real, high-stakes consequences. It’s one of the strongest crime thrillers in recent years, and the attention it’s finally getting on Netflix is long overdue.
Caught Stealing is now streaming on Netflix.
