 |
| Sharper Movie (2023) (AI Image) |
Introduction
The crime thriller Sharper (2023) brings together a potent mix of twist-driven plotting, slick aesthetics and a star-studded cast. Directed by Benjamin Caron and written by Brian Gatewood & Alessandro Tanaka, it assembles the talents of Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, Briana Middleton and John Lithgow in an over-the-top con game that plays out in non-linear vignettes. According to its official record, it was released in select U.S. theatres on February 10, 2023 via A24 and then globally on streaming via Apple TV+ on February 17. Wikipedia
In this review, we’ll explore what works, what doesn’t, and whether Sharper is worth your time.
Synopsis (Spoiler-lite)
Sharper opens by introducing Tom (Justice Smith), the gentle-bookstore-owner whose life takes a sharp turn when a mysterious woman Sandra (Briana Middleton) enters and gets romantically involved with him. She tells Tom her brother is in massive debt and needs $350,000 — and Tom, revealing his wealthy father, offers to help. But Sandra disappears, pushing Tom into a spiral. Wikipedia
Then the story rewinds and branches, introducing Sandy/Sandra’s criminal past, the conniving Max (Sebastian Stan) who trains her, and wealthy socialite Madeline (Julianne Moore) and her billionaire partner Richard Hobbes (John Lithgow). What initially seems like a clean romance or a straight-forward scam begins to unravel into layers of deception. Eventually the scheme reveals that Sandy and Tom have been playing the long-con on Madeline and Max, with alliances shifting until the final move. into chapters focusing on each character, a device that reinforces the “who’s really conning whom” theme.
What Works
Strong Cast & Magnetic Performances
One of the major strengths of Sharper is its cast. Julianne Moore as Madeline exudes both charm and menace; reviewers note her performance as a highlight. Sebastian Stan’s Max is charismatic and dangerous; Briana Middleton’s Sandra/Sandy brings layered vulnerability; Justice Smith holds the emotional core as Tom. The performances elevate the screenplay and carry the film through its intricate scaffolding.
Stylish Execution & Visual Flair
The film looks and feels slick. Critics point out that its cinematography, production design and pacing give it a polished feel that aligns with classic con-thrillers. For example, The Guardian describes it as “sumptuously shot.” The narrative architecture — non-linear, vignette-based — adds to the sophistication, inviting the audience to piece together the puzzle rather than being spoon-fed.
Engaging Puzzle Structure
If you like to lean forward during a film, trying to figure out who is manipulating whom, Sharper delivers. The shifts in perspective keep the viewer guessing, and the cast of characters is large enough to sustain multiple layers of betrayal. One review calls it “a narrative jigsaw puzzle.” While not entirely unpredictable, the mapping of the con games rewards attention.
What Doesn’t Fully Hit
Predictability & Lack of Grit
Although Sharper offers many twists, several critics felt that by the time the story reached its third act the outcome felt foreseeable. As noted by Rotten Tomatoes’ commentary: “the structure … weakly sputters out … feels … foreseeable from a mile away.” Furthermore, the film’s polish may reduce the sense of danger — the cons feel glossier than gritty, which dilutes the tension for some viewers. From the Roger Ebert review: “smoothly … the problem is … the writers … don’t have the gift of dialogue needed to elevate this thriller beyond its foundation.”
Character Depth & Emotional Stakes
While the characters fulfil their roles as con-artists and marks, several reviews suggest that the emotional core isn’t as strong as the plotting. For example: “These characters are pretty shallowly drawn” occurs in the Roger Ebert critique. The film focuses on what is happening and “who is conning whom” rather than deeply exploring why each character is emotionally invested beyond the game.
Ambitious Structure That Sometimes Overreaches
Using non-linear vignettes is stylistically attractive, but it can also challenge narrative clarity and emotional investment. Some reviewers feel the film tries to juggle too many threads and then rushes to its conclusion. For example: “As Sharper … turns increasingly melodramatic … we’re well-conditioned to look for the con, and see it coming a long ways out.”
My Verdict
In the crowded world of streaming thrillers, Sharper stands out as a very good effort — though perhaps not great. If you enjoy caper films, layered cons, luxury set-pieces, and a cast performing at the top of its game, then this is a solid pick. That said, if you demand emotional depth, totally unpredictable plotting, or gritty realism, you might walk away feeling the film didn’t fully deliver the payoff.
Rating: 7/10
Recommended For:
- Fans of smart thrillers with multiple narrative layers.
- Viewers who appreciate strong ensemble casts and stylish direction.
- Those in the mood for a home-viewing experience with some glitz and twist.
- Viewers hoping for deep character studies, raw emotional stakes, or major originality in twist mechanics.
Why It’s Worth Watching
- Star Power & Performances – Few thrillers bring together such seasoned performers (Moore, Lithgow) with rising stars (Middleton, Smith) and give them significant material.
- Visual & Narrative Style – The film doesn’t just rely on the plot; it looks and moves with confidence, elevating it above many standard genre entries.
- Puzzle Pleasure – If you enjoy trying to stay ahead of the story, identifying the con-moves, and revisiting earlier scenes in light of new information, Sharper delivers that pleasure.
Final Thoughts
Sharper may not reinvent the con-artist genre, but it makes a compelling argument for why that genre endures. It takes familiar tropes — betrayal, seduction, money, manipulation — and dresses them up in a clean, modern jacket, inviting the viewer to play along. The film’s biggest success is showing that even in an era of massive franchise sagas and endless content, a compact, well-crafted thriller with smart players and a tight aesthetic still holds appeal.
So if you’re browsing your streaming options (or catching it in select theatres), this is a movie you can pop on, lean into, and enjoy the ride of the long con. Just don’t expect the kind of emotional gut-punch or genre-defining originality that few films manage to pull off these days.
Meta Tags : Sharper 2023 review, Sharper film review, Benjamin Caron Sharper, Julianne Moore Sharper, con thriller Sharper
