Sharper (2023), directed by Benjamin Caron, is a stylish and twisty psychological thriller that delves into the world of wealth, deception, and manipulation. The film follows a series of interconnected characters, each of whom is trying to outsmart the other in a high-stakes game of lies and betrayal. The story is built around the lives of individuals who are all striving for power and money, but who ultimately find themselves ensnared in a web of secrets that threaten to unravel their carefully constructed facades.

The plot is set in New York City and revolves around Max (Julianne Moore), a wealthy woman who has a complex relationship with her son Tom (Justice Smith), a young man who is struggling to navigate his way through life. Max, having come from a difficult past, is determined to ensure that her son doesn’t repeat her mistakes. She introduces Tom to the world of high society, where he quickly becomes enamored with the luxuries it offers. But as Tom becomes more involved with Max’s social circle, he discovers that the line between what is real and what is fake is not as clear as he thought.

The film’s structure is non-linear, unfolding in a series of interwoven storylines. The narrative weaves between the perspectives of different characters, revealing hidden motivations and secrets at every turn. As the story progresses, each character’s true nature is revealed, and the audience is constantly left guessing who can be trusted and who is playing their own game. The film’s twists and turns keep the audience on edge, with each new revelation adding to the tension and intrigue.

At the heart of Sharper is a study of ambition and desire, with characters who are driven by their own need for status and success. Tom, in particular, is portrayed as someone who is hungry for more, eager to climb the social ladder but unaware of the dangerous game he’s about to enter. Julianne Moore’s performance as Max is captivating—her character is both a mentor and a manipulator, a woman who has fought tooth and nail to reach the top and is willing to do whatever it takes to stay there. The complex, morally ambiguous nature of Max’s character is one of the film’s strongest elements, as it keeps the audience unsure of her true intentions.

The performances of the cast are another standout feature. Justice Smith, known for his role in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, plays Tom with a mix of vulnerability and ambition, capturing the complexity of a young man who is drawn into a world he doesn’t fully understand. Meanwhile, Sebastian Stan (known for his portrayal of Bucky Barnes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe) plays a suave and enigmatic figure who has his own secrets and agenda. The chemistry between the characters adds to the suspense, as alliances shift and motivations are revealed.

The film also takes a deep dive into the world of wealth and power, examining how those who are born into privilege use their position to manipulate and control others. It raises questions about morality and ethics, especially when it comes to the choices people make to get ahead. The manipulation in Sharper is not just about money—it’s about control, influence, and using others as pawns in a high-stakes game. The characters’ interactions are often marked by a sense of deception, as each one tries to outmaneuver the others.

One of the key themes of Sharper is the cost of ambition. The characters in the film are all driven by a desire to get ahead, but their pursuit of wealth and power comes with consequences. The moral ambiguity of the characters adds complexity to the story, as the line between right and wrong becomes blurred. The twists in the narrative challenge the audience to reconsider their perceptions of the characters, revealing the extent to which they are willing to deceive others—and themselves—in order to achieve their goals.

The film’s visual style complements its story, with sleek, modern cinematography that captures the world of high society and wealth. The New York City setting, with its glitzy apartment buildings, exclusive parties, and upscale restaurants, creates a backdrop that feels both alluring and cold, a reflection of the characters’ pursuit of success at any cost. The editing, which shifts between different timelines and perspectives, keeps the pace quick and the tension high, with each new piece of information adding to the mystery.

The conclusion of Sharper is both satisfying and unsettling, with a final twist that leaves the audience reflecting on the choices the characters made and the consequences of their actions. The film’s ending underscores the idea that, no matter how clever one is, the truth has a way of catching up with you. The ultimate revelation about the characters’ true intentions is a moment of reckoning that forces them to confront the lies they’ve been living.

In the end, Sharper is an intelligent and tightly woven thriller that explores themes of ambition, deception, and the pursuit of power. The performances, particularly from Julianne Moore and Justice Smith, are compelling, and the film’s intricate plot keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The story’s twists and turns, combined with the film’s slick visual style, make Sharper a captivating watch, one that keeps viewers on their toes until the very end.