Movie Review: "Sharper"

"Sharper," directed by Benjamin Caron, is now in limited theatrical release and will be streaming on Apple TV+ soon. The film invites comparisons to '80s David Mamet screenplays like "House of Games" or "The Spanish Prisoner," but falls short of reaching their level of intrigue and dialogue mastery.

Plot and Style

"Sharper" unfolds like a narrative jigsaw puzzle, shifting back and forth through various cons until the final one is revealed. While the film aims to mimic Mamet's tough-talking puzzle movies, it lacks the sharp dialogue needed to elevate the thriller beyond its foundation. The script by Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka tries to keep viewers engaged with a series of revelations, but ultimately falls short.

Characters

Justice Smith plays Tom, a young man working at a bookstore, who gets involved with Sandra (Briana Middleton), a woman with a troubled past. The film explores their relationship and Sandra's connection to a con artist named Max (Sebastian Stan) and Richard (John Lithgow), Tom's wealthy father.

Themes and Execution

"Sharper" aims to be a smart and stylish thriller, but it sometimes stretches credulity with its convoluted plot and shallowly drawn characters. While the film has moments of enjoyment as the thriller machine unfolds, it lacks the incisive dialogue and depth needed to truly captivate.

Conclusion

"Sharper" may not reach the heights of its inspirations, but it still offers some entertainment for fans of the genre. While the talented cast, including Julianne Moore and John Lithgow, deliver solid performances, the film ultimately feels a bit dull and lacking in substance. However, it's still worth a watch for those looking for a twisty tale of betrayal and double-crosses.

Availability

"Sharper" is currently playing in theaters and will be available on Apple TV+ soon. If you're a fan of stylish thrillers and don't mind a few shortcomings, it's worth checking out.