This trailer gives off something of a “Succession” vibe, with an Ariana Grande needle drop and some good old-fashioned con artistry thrown in for good measure. (“Read between the lies,” indeed.) Whether it be “Cliffhanger” or “Dexter,” I’m a sucker for a serious John Lithgow role, and while my knowledge of Justice Smith’s work doesn’t extend past the “Jurassic World” franchise, “Sharper” seems like the kind of movie that could offer up a different bag of microwave popcorn thrills at home on a streaming night.
The very first Apple TV+ original movie was Sofia Coppola’s “On the Rocks,” also from A24. While word-of-mouth over its last film, the Will Smith-led “Emancipation,” was tainted by the controversy (and 10-year Academy Awards ban) surrounding its star, Apple TV+ is also coming off the first-ever Best Picture win for a streaming service at the Oscars last year with “CODA.”
Here’s the official synopsis for “Sharper” from Apple TV+:
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” comes to select theaters on February 10, 2023, before making its streaming debut on Apple TV+ a week later, on Friday, February 17, 2023.