Apple TV+ has released some incredible action thrillers this year, including Echo 3, Slow Horses, Emancipation, and Shantaram. However, it appears that the platform will shortly shift its concentration to the comedy genre in the following year. As Apple TV+ expands its original film slate, the 2023 winter lineup is jam-packed with highly anticipated movies, particularly the comedic thriller Sharper.

Fans of Ocean’s Eleven, Now You See Me, and American Hustle will appreciate this Apple original about a con artist who targets billionaires, particularly those who deceive people. While Apple TV+ has lately released a few original films, like the Ryan Reynolds-led musical comedy Spirited and Will Smith’s Emancipation, they have earned mixed reviews from critics.

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Having said that, the streamer has several other films scheduled for 2023, like Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon and Argylle, but Sharper, starring Captain America: Winter Soldier’s Sebastian Stan and Oscar winner Julianne Moore, looks particularly compelling. With only a teaser released, here is everything we know about the upcoming comedic thriller Sharper.

Sharper: The Plot

     Apple TV+

The official description of the film, according to Apple TV+, is as follows:

“Hailing from Apple Original Films and A24, “Sharper,” unfolds within the secrets of New York City, from the penthouses of Fifth Avenue to the shadowy corners of Queens. Motivations are suspect, and expectations are turned upside down when nothing is as it seems.”

Here’s how we interpret the story: it follows a con artist who takes on Manhattan’s billionaires, whether they stay on New York’s most popular Fifth Avenue or may hide on the shadowy corners of Queens. We wonder what kind of life he had to feel comfortable taking those chances. Is he doing what’s best for the city? Or is it due to a personal agenda? While it might seem like following the trend of con films, Apple TV+ is well-known for producing phenomenal shows varying within the genre.

Sharper: The Cast & Crew

     20th Century Fox

Sharper features a star-studded cast, raising anticipation even higher. Sebastian Stan plays Max, who appears to be the group’s master con artist as they take on the billionaires in Manhattan. Although he first came to the attention of the audiences in Captain America: The First Avenger and other well-known Marvel blockbusters like Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, he built a reputation for himself in several other critically acclaimed films and television series. Since his first role as Justin Capshaw on Law & Order in the 1990s, he has been in a diverse set of movies and TV shows, including Black Swan, The Martian, Falcon and Winter Soldier, Pam & Tommy, and Tony & Tina’s Wedding.

Justice Smith, on the other hand, will portray Tom, a vital member of the group’s planned con mission, and Briana Middleton will play Sandra, who also seems to be a member of the group. You might recognize the former actor as Franklin Webb in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Tim Goodman in Pokémon Detective Pikachu, Theodore Finch in Bright Places, and Simon in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Renowned for her roles in films like The Tender Bar, Augustus, and The Inheritance, Briana has contributed significantly to the success of her career hits.

The best part of the cast, though, is Julianne Moore, who has previously been nominated for three Oscars and won the fourth for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for Still Alice in 2014. With her outstanding performance, it looks like she plays the role of a billionaire Madeline, who ultimately becomes the victim of a con artist or may play an antagonistic role.

While the aforementioned actors appear to be taking up the bulk of the screen time, here are some of the supporting cast members: Giullian Yao Gioiello, Hannah Dunne, Philip Johnson Richardson, Kerry Flanagan, Quincy Dunn-Baker, Blaise Corrigan, Patrick Cooley, and John Lithgow.

It goes without saying that the cast carries the film on screen, but it is also worth mentioning the crew who worked on it. The highly anticipated comedic thriller is directed by Benjamin Caron, who has previously directed noteworthy films and television shows such as Andor, The Crown, Sherlock, and many others. Meanwhile, Brian Gatewood and Alessandra Tanaka, who previously collaborated on The Sitter and Superstore, are writing the project.

The production companies are Apple TV+, A24, and Picturesart, with Julia Hammer and Amy Herman serving as executive producers and Jodie Caron co-producing the film. Clint Mansell, who composed music for Black Swan, DC’s Titans, The Fountain, and Happy New Year, Colin Burstead will oversee the music. The cast and crew behind Sharper look extremely impressive, and it wouldn’t be surprising if it ends up being one of the best thrillers of 2023 at this point.

Release Date

Sharper will be available on Apple TV+ on February 17, 2023, and fans will be able to experience the much-anticipated film.

Although it is not an adaptation, the film seems promising, with an intriguing premise and a star-studded ensemble. Hopefully, Apple TV+ will continue to provide audiences with high-quality entertainment, and Sharper will remain one of them.