Filmmakers who try something different risk falling flat if they aren't careful. Some have managed to broaden their artistic horizons with these kinds of projects, while others haven’t fared so well. This latest effort from director Darren Aronofsky lands somewhere in between; it's a comedy/crime thriller that has its strengths and weaknesses. The story takes place in 1998 and centers on Hank Thompson (Austin Butler), a former baseball player whose professional dreams were dashed by a serious knee injury. Now, he’s working as a bartender in New York City, just trying to pay the bills while indulging his fondness for alcohol. His quiet existence is disrupted when his eccentric neighbor, Russ (Matt Smith), asks him to watch his cat because of a family emergency. This seemingly simple request unexpectedly pulls Hank into the dark world of crime that Russ inhabits. Soon, he’s entangled in a series of thefts, murders, and shady dealings with corrupt police officers, finding himself surrounded by bodies and facing accusations as the prime suspect. To survive, he must take drastic action while also protecting the cat. The initial concept is interesting and improves as the film continues, although it starts slowly and has a very bleak feel at first, making you question where the comedy will come in. Fortunately, the humor eventually appears, offering much-needed relief from the darker elements of the story. This shift really helps to redeem the movie, largely thanks to a group of memorable supporting characters brought to life by an impressive cast including Regina King, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, Griffin Dunne, Carol Kane, George Abud, and Tonic the cat. The film also does a great job recreating New York City in the 1990s, paying attention to every detail. Considering all of these aspects, it's clear that the director's attempt to explore new territory has been partially successful. This movie suggests he’s capable of handling different kinds of projects, but some adjustments are needed before future ventures into unfamiliar ground can be considered a complete triumph.

Source on TMDB