Adding to Darren Aronofsky's eclectic filmography, Caught Stealing is his most accessible and straightforward film yet. An entertaining crime caper filled with laughs and thrills, it's serviceable—but there's the feeling that something is missing.

Set in 1990s New York, Hank (Austin Butler) is a charismatic barman who spends time outside of his shifts with lover Yvonne (Zoe Kravitz). They're looking to develop their relationship into something more serious, but Hank's life is suddenly turned upside down after his punk neighbour Russ (Matt Smith, sporting a killer mohawk) makes a trip to London and tasks him to look after his cat. Gangsters turn up looking for Russ, but instead get Hank, and rope him into a web of deceit, violence and money.

Where the film operates best is in the first act. Butler is immediately captivating as Hank; a compassionate man who uses charm and wit to hide a past full of pain and regret. With Kravitz, who is also terrific, the pair have genuine chemistry. It's so much fun watching them two hang out in grungy apartments. Which is to say, the production design and overall '90s look and feel are spot on. The superb soundtrack, which includes new titles from British band Idles, adds to the punk vibe.

It isn't too long until things go awry for Hank, but this is where Caught Stealing falters. As things go from bad to worse, the film meanders as it ticks off darkly comedic gangster flicks of this kind. Kooky European henchman? Tick. A seemingly friendly ally who isn't all that they seem? Tick. Credit where credit is due: some individual scenes are fun, particularly where the tension builds up (no character is safe in this film) or the comedy is brought to the forefront, but Caught Stealing often feels like a safe greatest hits rather than a daring new take.

Unfortunately, it isn't just the narrative that is a little shaky, as the technical execution sometimes is too. For every incredible shot—a long shot pushing in between apartment blocks, a camera flying through a globe monument during a chase scene—there's distracting digital camera motion blur and schlocky VFX pulling audiences out of the action. Thematically, there's an interesting link made between alcoholism and running away from your past, but again, the execution doesn't quite hammer home points in meaningful ways.

Caught Stealing is a strange beast. Individual elements work, but the sum of its parts leaves more to be desired. No doubt audiences will lap this up as a breezy thriller with an edge, but from the director of Black Swan, The Whale and Requiem for a Dream, it's quite the disappointment.