A Bookshop Romance Turns Twisted in “Sharper”
In a quaint bookstore, a young woman named Sandra (Briana Middleton) browses the shelves, searching for the perfect novel. The owner, Tom (Justice Smith), steps in to assist, effortlessly recommending the very book she seeks. As if by fate, their connection deepens through shared admiration for Zora Neale Hurston, discussions about university life and Black feminism, culminating in an invitation for dinner. Tom and Sandra’s relationship blossoms at an accelerated pace, leaving onlookers convinced they’ve been together for years, not merely weeks.
However, as they grow closer, unsettling truths emerge. Tom is the estranged son of a wealthy and influential figure, while Sandra’s brother is in desperate need of a substantial sum to settle his debts. To reveal more of the plot would be to spoil the intricate web of deceit that unfolds.
Julianne Moore as Madeline in “Sharper”
Suspicion and Deceit
Thanks to shows like “You,” viewers have become wary of seemingly innocent bookstore encounters. The initial romantic allure fades around the fifteenth minute, replaced by a persistent sense of unease. The film’s title itself hints that love will inevitably give way to betrayal. It’s crucial to observe Tom and Sandra’s gestures and actions closely, as one of them may not be who they appear to be.
Justice Smith as Tom in “Sharper”
A Non-Linear Narrative
Once the characters cease baring their souls and quoting Tolstoy, a new chapter begins. Director Benjamin Caron cleverly divides the story into segments, each named after a specific character. This non-linear approach is arguably the film’s strongest asset, allowing Caron to gradually expose the characters’ true nature and deliver genuine surprises. “Sharper” operates like a Russian nesting doll, with each story concealing another, until the pieces finally come together and the web of betrayals is untangled.
Julianne Moore as Madeline in “Sharper”
Predictable Twists and a Stellar Cast
To be fair, many of the plot twists are easily anticipated. With each act, the director strives to outsmart the audience, but viewers have become accustomed to such techniques. This may be less a flaw of “Sharper” and more a challenge inherent in the thriller genre: delivering genuine shock in a detective or psychological thriller is increasingly difficult. However, the film’s strength lies in its cast. Julianne Moore is chillingly captivating, Briana Middleton (previously seen in George Clooney’s “The Tender Bar”) commands attention, Justice Smith evokes sympathy, and Sebastian Stan embodies the brooding, mysterious figure, although he plays a supporting role here.
A Guilty Pleasure
It’s easy to find reasons to criticize “Sharper.” The “Eat the Rich” subgenre is experiencing a resurgence, but Caron’s film doesn’t dwell on the glamorous lifestyle, instead focusing on the corrupting influence of wealth. Some will do anything for money, while others will lament the obsession with it. The latter could be interpreted as the director’s message, but the film is too lighthearted for such analysis. Ultimately, Benjamin Caron’s creation aims to be nothing more than a diverting and entertaining film with attractive leads and picturesque views of New York City. And in that, it succeeds admirably.