Apple TV+ may be responsible for some of the year’s best shows, such asSeveranceandThe Studio, but the streaming service has hidden some of its most interesting films. While Apple has been willing to give robust campaigns for its awards contenders, such asCODAandKillers of the Flower Moon, they’ve also produced several mid-budget genre films that simply don’t exist within the theatrical market.Sharperis an inventive crime thrillerwith an intriguing narrative hook, as it is told in a non-linear way that challenges its audience to reconsider the context of scenes they’ve just watched.
Although it was technically his feature-length directorial debut,SharperdirectorBenjamin Carsonhas an extensive background working in prestige television. Between his work onThe Crown, Andor, Sherlock,andWallander, Carson learned how to tell smart, edgy stories that took advantage of their vast ensembles.Sharperis a throwback to a form of “con artist” cinema that hasn’t been at the forefront of popular culture sinceCatch Me If You CanorMatchstick Men. Based on howwell the film nails its ending,Sharpermay be even more rewarding upon subsequent viewings.
What Is ‘Sharper’ About?
Sharperis an ensemble thriller that consists of non-linear vignettes that center on individual characters. Similar to films likeMagnoliaor the recent hitWeapons, Sharperallows its viewers to grow invested in each of the characters, making it more intense when they develop competing interests. Tom (Justice Smith) is a kind-hearted bookshop owner who begins a relationship with the enigmatic woman, Sandra (Briana Middleton), who asks him for $350,000 to save her brother from being killed. In actuality, Sandra is a former criminal who has learned to be a con artist through her mentor, Max (Sebastian Stan), who is working with his mother, Madeline (Julianne Moore), to rob the wealthy billionaire Richard Hobbs (John Lithgow) of his fortune. Although Madeline aims to be named as the chief chair member of Richard’s foundation in the case of his death, she discovers that he has an actual sonwho may be trying to get revengeon those taking advantage of his father.
Piecing together how each storyline connects may be challenging on an initial viewing, butSharperdoes a great job at identifying the goals of each character, even when their backgrounds may be more ambiguous.Sharperis elevated by its ensemble, as the actors needed to do legworkto hint at the broader history between the characters that is developed off-screen. Smith is perfectly cast as Tom, whose self-doubt and humble nature make him effective at pulling off deceptions. Middleton is equally surprising, as Sandra is a character who often feigns victimhood, even if she has far more control over the situation than she is willing to admit. Stan is always great at playing morally dubious characters, but Max is fascinating as a truly self-serving narcissist, who is willing to bend his behavior to appease anyone who offers him something in return. Moore is quite compellingas a deeply wounded, vengeful characterwho feels that she has something to prove. Even though con artistry is often viewed as a trade best left to young people, Madeline hides behind her charismatic persona to catch her victims off guard.
‘Sharper’ Justifies Its Plot Twists
It can often be irritating to watch a film that builds up to a twist that invalidates everything that preceded it, as audiences don’t react kindly to being told that they shouldn’t have been invested in the story. However,the twists inSharperare baked into the premise, as it’s clear from the beginning that each of the characters has something to hide, and it would not be in their best interest to admit their motivations. Even if the specifics of the crime don’t become clear until the final act, there’s enough honesty in the performances forSharperto be engaging on an emotional level. Even if he is not quite the “deer in the headlights” that he has presented himself as, Tom is still a deeply compassionate person who risks his own livelihood to help others. Likewise, Max’s shifting loyalties have made it difficult for him to be honest, even if he still has an idealistic perspective on the people that he may be harming. Although there are elements ofSharperthat feel satirical of other crime films, it also raises some interesting points about thechanging ethics in a post-recession world.
Sharperestablished Carson as a filmmaker with something to say, as the film’s old-fashioned techniques didn’t prevent it fromfeeling like a crisp, modern thriller. As was the case with his second film,Night Always Comes,Sharper crafted a story that was just plausible enough to feel authentic,even if the tension escalated to build towards the most impressive set pieces. Unfortunately, thrillers likeSharperare too few and far between, as there’s a desire to see original, edgy genre films with modest budgets. WhileSharpermay not have gained the rollout that it deserved, it will hopefully be seen as a launching pad for Carson to do even more ambitious projects in the future.
Sharperis now available to stream on Apple TV+ in the U.S.
