Apple and A24 unite again with Sharper, an exquisitely shot whirlwind journey into the seedy world of the wealthy in New York City.
★★★✰✰
In a year when Apple TV+ is set to release Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon, you wouldn’t expect their latest feature, Sharper, to be their best of 2023. The streaming giant has made some of the greatest television shows of recent years with series like Severance and Ted Lasso, but their filmic output has been more mixed. CODA, of course, won Best Picture at last year’s Oscars, whilst Wolfwalkers, The Velvet Underground and Cha Cha Real Smooth also stand out as bright spots. However, these feel few and far between. Sharper doesn’t fall into the same category as these stellar releases, nor does it wallow alongside some true duds; it is decent but lacking, good but never quite igniting into something truly great. Ultimately, it is neither as compelling nor clever as it clearly wants to be.
Sharper follows the distinct but intertwined stories of five people in New York City. Each chapter is, more or less, a different con, each one more dramatic as the stakes grow and the characters hurtle toward a dramatic finale. Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka’s screenplay is impressively structured, unfolding with a strong sense of mystery and a playful, stylish eye akin to the Oceans series. The frequent twists and turns are, whilst never mind-blowing, enjoyable, and sure to bring a satisfied smile to your face.
In Sharper’s acting quartet, which boasts legendary names such as Julianne Moore and John Lithgow alongside relative newcomers Justice Smith and Briana Middleton, it is Sebastian Stan who really stands out. Just as in Fresh, he exudes an undeniably charming aura alongside ice-cold, psychopathic sliminess—granted, without the cannibalism this time. Similarly, Moore perfectly plays a character whose sole focus is to make money at any cost, flipping from smiling, faithful wife to cutthroat con artist in a scarily seamless way. Smith and Middleton, as Tom and Sandra respectively, bring some needed normality and humanity to Sharper, although their characters lack nuance or depth.
It is here where Sharper, as a whole, falters; as slick as the film is, it feels too superficial. Granted, this mirrors the ultra-wealthy Manhattan world in which it is set, but this surface-level nature does little to push the well-crafted story to greater heights or more depraved depths. However, Charlotte Bruus Christensen’s cinematography does bring some much-needed gravitas to proceedings. She captures New York less as a city and more as a shady organism, a never-ending labyrinth of hidden alleyways, neon lights and looming buildings, which in turn reflects the deceitful nature of its onscreen inhabitants. Sharper works best when it leans into these noirish elements, occasionally even evoking tonal feelings akin to Michael Mann films such as Thief and Heat.
New York City is far from welcoming, and the wealthier its locations get, the more alien it feels. Director Benjamin Caron—best known for directing episodes for TV shows such as Sherlock and Andor—more than competently makes his transition into the filmic world, bringing a remarkable glossiness and eye for detail to Sharper. Characters are frequently dwarfed by the warped architecture of Fifth Avenue, distorted angles complementing the ever-growing, fraudulent web of lies and trickery. Caron efficiently guides us through each character and each chapter with minimal fuss and an impressive focus on the constantly intensifying events.
The way that the characters all finally converge in Sharper is impressively written, and whilst its final twist is far from jaw-dropping, it should leave you suitably satisfied. Throughout the runtime, you’ll be constantly guessing who you can trust (if anyone at all), which makes for compelling viewing, although its paper-thin commentaries on wealth do little to strengthen your investment. Sharper doesn’t fizzle out—far from it—but its conclusion ultimately feels indicative of the film as a whole: slick, clever, well-executed, but just a little too safe.
The Verdict
Memorable visuals and a playfully twisted nature ensures Sharper remains a mostly engaging watch, but a lack of depth and originality weakens its overall effect. Constant twists and turns will keep you guessing, but there is little substance to go with Sharper’s unmistakably superb style.
Words by William Stottor
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