The knives are out in Sharper, a neo-noir thriller that is the first new movie of 2023 from Apple TV Plus, with an all-star cast set to take part in the power plays at the story's center.
Sharper is just one of a handful of star-studded, high-profile movies coming from Apple TV Plus in 2023. Other titles include a pair of high-profile documentaries on NBA superstar Steph Curry's rise to prominence (Stephen Curry: Underrated) and actor Michael J. Fox (STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie); there’s also the Henry Cavill-led spy thriller Argyle and the Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro movie Killers of the Flower Moon.
But this post is about Sharper, so let's get into everything that you need to know about the movie.
Sharper release date
Sharper was released in limited movie theaters on Friday, February 10. It is going to release worldwide on Apple TV Plus on February 17, allowing anyone who is an Apple TV Plus subscriber to stream the movie.
Sharper plot
Here is the official plot of Sharper from Apple TV Plus:
"No one is who they seem in Sharper, a neo-noir thriller of secrets and lies, set amongst New York City's bedrooms, barrooms and boardrooms. Characters compete for riches and power in a high-stakes game of ambition, greed, lust and jealousy that will keep audiences guessing until the final moment."
Sharper was written by Brian Gatewood & Alessandro Tanaka (The Sitter, Superstore).
Sharper cast
Julianne Moore has top billing for Sharper. Moore is an Oscar-winning actress for Still Alice, with numerous other iconic roles, including Boogie Nights, Far From Heaven, The Big Lebowski, Children of Men and The Kids Are Alright. Also in 2023, she has the movie When You Finish Saving the World.
Moore's supporting cast features Sebastian Stan, best known for his role as Bucky Barnes/the Winter Soldier in the MCU, but also earning an Emmy nomination for Pam & Tommy in 2022. There's also John Litghow, the Oscar-nominee for The World According to Garp and Terms of Endearment and Emmy winner for The Crown, whose most recent role was in the hit drama The Old Man. Jurassic World: Dominion and Detective Pikachu star Justice Smith and Briana Middleton, who previously starred in The Tender Bar, round out the main cast.
Sharper trailer
The official trailer for Sharper has arrived, asking if you can read between the lies as Sebastian Stan, Julianne Moore and Briana Middleton attempt to take a piece of the good lives for themselves, courtesy of John Lithgow's billions. Watch the trailer directly below:
Sharper reviews — what the critics are saying
Sharper is getting a mixed response from critics, but as of Friday, February 10, it has a "Fresh" rating from Rotten Tomatoes, right on the border with 60%.
Here are a couple of snippets from reviews for the thriller:
Jake Coyle, Associated Press: "A slinky, slick caper that finds ways to distort expectations while unfolding a puzzle-box narrative."
Maddy Mussen, London Evening Standard: "It’s hard to be invested in a film where the characters are so painfully paper-thin. Moore does her best to save it but can’t seem to pull it through."
How long is Sharper?
Sharper has a runtime of one hour and 56 minutes.
What is Sharper rated?
Sharper is rated R in the US and 15 in the UK for "language throughout and some sexual references"
Sharper director
Benjamin Caron is making his feature directing debut with Sharper, though he has plenty of experience directing some of the biggest and most cinematic TV shows of recent memory. He directed multiple episodes of 2022's Andor and across different seasons of The Crown. He also directed Sherlock's season 4 episode "The Final Problem."
