Sharper Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bookstore owner, a parolee, and some wealthy New Yorkers play a very elaborate game of ‘who can trick whom the hardest’ for a pot of money.

🍿 Sharper: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Tom and Sandra’s Initial Romance

Tom, a bookstore owner, meets Sandra, a student, and they quickly fall in love. Their romance takes a turn when Sandra reveals her brother’s debt of $350,000, which Tom impulsively offers to cover using his father’s wealth. After Tom provides the money, Sandra disappears, leaving him heartbroken and financially drained.

Sandra’s Past and Max’s Introduction

Sandra’s past is unveiled, revealing her as a parolee with a criminal record. She is shown meeting her parole officer when Max, a con artist, intervenes and pays off the officer. Max takes Sandra under his wing, training her in the art of deception and turning her into his partner in crime.

Madeline and Max’s Scheme

Max is revealed to be in a relationship with Madeline, who is involved with a wealthy billionaire named Richard. They plan to con Richard, but Madeline decides to stay with him after he proposes marriage, leaving Max behind. Richard later dies, leaving his fortune to Madeline, while his son, Tom, inherits only the bookstore and the chairmanship of Richard’s foundation.

The Tables Turn: Tom’s Revenge

Tom hires Braddock to find Sandra, uncovering the connections between Sandra, Max, and Madeline. In a dramatic confrontation, Tom appears to be shot by Madeline, who then transfers the money to Richard’s foundation. However, it is revealed that Tom is alive and was in on the con all along. He and Sandra, along with Tipsy and Goldie, orchestrated the entire scheme to reclaim the stolen inheritance.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tom (Justice Smith): A bookstore owner and philanthropist who becomes a target and orchestrator of elaborate cons.
• Sandra (Briana Middleton): A parolee and skilled con artist navigating relationships and schemes to survive and thrive.
• Max (Sebastian Stan): A manipulative and ambitious con artist always seeking the next big score.
• Madeline (Julianne Moore): A sophisticated woman who is a con artist and entangled in complex relationships and schemes.
• Richard Hobbes (John Lithgow): A wealthy and powerful billionaire who becomes the target of a sophisticated con.
• Pat Braddock (Darren Goldstein): A family friend of Richard Hobbes hired by Tom to locate Sandra.
• ‘Tipsy’ Detective Collins (Phillip Johnson Richardson): A corrupt police officer and accomplice in Max’s schemes.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Max: “I don’t watch movies, they are a waste of time.” – This quote highlights Max’s cynical and pragmatic worldview, suggesting he sees no value in entertainment or anything that doesn’t directly contribute to his goals.
• Madeline: “Practice.” – She says this when Tom asks how she gets away with all the cons.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Sharper Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I was totally hooked by Sharper! The way the story unfolded from different perspectives was so clever, and the twists kept me guessing. I loved how everyone had a hidden agenda. Julianne Moore was amazing, as always. The scene where the truth about the ‘shooting’ is revealed was intense – I literally gasped! Definitely a movie I’ll be recommending to my friends who love a good thriller.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of con artist movies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy twisty thrillers”
  • “Those who appreciate stylish cinematography”
  • “Audiences who like non-linear narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Some violence”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Sharper is a twisty and stylish thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. While the plot can get a bit convoluted, the strong performances from Julianne Moore and Sebastian Stan make it worth the ride. It’s a smart and entertaining film that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Sharper is a well-crafted con artist movie with a compelling cast. The film’s non-linear structure keeps the audience engaged, and the twists and turns are genuinely surprising. However, the film lacks a certain emotional depth, making it a bit difficult to fully invest in the characters.
• Variety: “While the cast is excellent, the plot of Sharper feels overly complicated and convoluted at times. The film is visually appealing and features some clever twists, but ultimately it fails to deliver a truly satisfying emotional payoff. It’s a decent thriller, but not a standout in the genre.

Audience Reactions

The constant twists and turns made it impossible to predict what would happen next.: Viewers praised the film’s unpredictable plot and clever storytelling.

Julianne Moore and Sebastian Stan gave outstanding performances.: The cast was highly praised for their strong and believable performances.

Overall Consensus: Sharper is a stylish and suspenseful thriller with strong performances, but some viewers found the plot overly complex and emotionally lacking.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is structured in a non-linear narrative, with each section focusing on a different character’s perspective, gradually revealing the complex web of relationships and cons.”
• “Several scenes were filmed on location in New York City, adding to the authenticity and atmosphere of the film.”
• “The film delves into themes of greed, deception, and the allure of wealth, exploring the lengths people will go to for financial gain.”

🖥️ How to Watch Sharper?

Sharper is currently available to stream exclusively on Apple TV+. While it’s not available for purchase digitally on platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV, a subscription to Apple TV+ is required to watch the movie. Keep an eye on these platforms for potential future purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Sharper, you might like these similar films:

• The Grifters (1990): Both films explore the world of con artists and their intricate schemes, with complex relationships and unexpected twists.
• Catch Me If You Can (2002): This movie also involves elaborate cons and deception, focusing on a charismatic con artist who impersonates various professionals.
• Knives Out (2019): Features a twisty plot with shifting perspectives and a focus on wealth, family secrets, and deception.

🛒 Sharper Related Products

• The Grifters (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A Criterion Collection release of the classic con artist film ‘The Grifters’, starring Anjelica Huston, John Cusack and Annette Bening. Known for its dark, complex characters and neo-noir atmosphere, much like ‘Sharper’. A great gift for serious collectors.
• Catch Me If You Can [Blu-ray]: A blu-ray copy of Catch Me If You Can with Leonardo Dicaprio, it tells the story of Frank Abagnale who is a young and incredibly skilled con artist. He eventually gets chased down by an FBI agent. Great for people who enjoy con man movies.
• New York City Skyline Jigsaw Puzzle (1000 Pieces): Piece together a stunning view of the New York City skyline with this high-quality 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. Features iconic landmarks and captures the essence of the city where ‘Sharper’ is set. A perfect way to unwind and appreciate the film’s backdrop.
• Con Artist Strategy Board Game: Engage in strategic gameplay as you outwit opponents in this board game centered around deception and con artistry. Plan your moves carefully and build your empire of lies. Experience the thrill of the game as if you are one of the movie’s grifters.

🎧 Soundtrack

Sharper features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Ruler of My Heart” – performed by Irma Thomas

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Sebastian Stan dishes about why he opts to play more dark and charming characters. #SharperMovie

Ever wondered why Sebastian Stan always nails those slightly shady, charming roles? He spills the beans on why he loves playing them – it’s pretty insightful, actually!

Sharper — The Art of Deception | Apple TV+

Find out how the cast of ‘Sharper’ prepared to deceive us all! This behind-the-scenes look at the art of deception is really cool; you get to see their process.

Sebastian Stan & Sharper Cast On The Biggest Lies They’ve Gotten Away With | MTV Movies

Sebastian Stan and the cast of ‘Sharper’ get real about the biggest lies they’ve ever told! It’s fun and insightful to see how they relate it to their characters.

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