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Drama

Sharper (2023): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Sharper (2023) movie poster

Sharper is a 2023 drama starring Justice Smith as Tom, Briana Middleton and Sebastian Stan. It runs 1 hour 56 minutes and earned $114,065 worldwide. Critics gave it 68% on Rotten Tomatoes and 65 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
68%
worldwide gross
$114.1K
Echo Score
70
Metascore
65
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Sharper (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 56m (116 min)
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Sharper About?

The premise of Sharper without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

In a world of privilege and manipulation, a skilled con artist targets the wealthy elite of Manhattan. As they navigate the intricate web of deception, their own motives and allegiances become increasingly ambiguous, leading to a complex game of cat and mouse where everyone is a potential mark. The lines between victim and perpetrator blur in this suspenseful exploration of ambition and betrayal.

Sharper Themes & Keywords

· 44 tags
  • con artist
  • con game
  • grifter
  • elaborate scheme
  • cheating wife
  • psychological drama
  • used book store
  • japanese restaurant
  • boyfriend girlfriend relationship
  • noise in the night
  • reference to jane eyre
  • mother son relationship
+32 more
  • mother son kiss
  • older woman younger man kiss
  • man fondles a woman's breasts
  • passionate kissing
  • pseudo incest
  • chapter headings
  • probation officer
  • probation violation
  • bribery
  • rolex submariner
  • training
  • swindler gets swindled
  • squib
  • billionaire
  • mark
  • drug user
  • scandal
  • mother's boyfriend
  • nonlinear timeline
  • criminal gang
  • quitting
  • marrying for money
  • death of husband
  • inheritance
  • charity
  • drug withdrawal
  • missing ex girlfriend
  • sneaking away
  • dividing the spoils
  • greed
  • female protagonist
  • theft
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Cast & crew

Sharper Cast & Characters

Justice Smith leads the cast as Tom, with Briana Middleton as Sandra and Sebastian Stan as Max.

Ratings

Sharper Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Sharper 68% on Rotten Tomatoes and 65 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (55).

70 /100

Sharper Echo Score Breakdown

Sharpen delivers a stylish caper anchored by strong performances, yet its intricate plotting often feels over‑complicated and uneven. Critics and viewers alike praise the visual polish and the chemistry of its lead actors, while noting that the narrative momentum falters toward the finale. The soundscape and design complement the sleek aesthetic, but the dense structure and predictability diminish lasting impact. Consequently, the film offers an engaging but imperfect experience that rewards a single viewing more than repeated ones.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of direction and visual craft, the film is frequently described as sleek, stylish, and well‑executed. Critics highlight the polished cinematography and effective editing that keep the puzzle visually engaging. Some reviewers note occasional convolution, but the overall production design and craftsmanship receive commendation. The net impression is that the artistic elements contribute positively to the film’s appeal.

  • Character & Emotion 72

    When assessing acting and character depth, reviewers consistently note the strong performances of Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, and supporting cast. The chemistry and nuanced portrayals are praised, though several critics observe a lack of deeper character exploration, especially toward the ending. Overall, the performances elevate the material, but the emotional resonance remains somewhat superficial.

  • Story & Flow 55

    The narrative structure receives mixed feedback, with praise for inventive twists yet criticism for convoluted pacing and a predictable conclusion. Critics describe the plot as occasionally clever but ultimately uneven, and users point to a confusing, non‑linear timeline that hampers engagement. While the premise intrigues, the story’s coherence and momentum are seen as inconsistent.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    Sensory elements such as soundtrack, sound design, and visual style are highlighted as strengths. Reviewers mention the film’s sleek aesthetic, stylish production design, and effective musical moments, including a notable party scene. The auditory and visual components reinforce the film’s sophisticated tone, leading to a generally positive assessment of its sensory experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    Rewatch value is deemed moderate; while the film offers enjoyable twists and a polished surface, its dense plot and predictable ending limit repeat appeal. Critics acknowledge the entertainment factor but note that the narrative’s shortcomings reduce the incentive for multiple viewings. The overall consensus suggests a single, engaging watch rather than strong lasting replayability.

Plot

Sharper Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Sharper from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Tom, the proprietor of a quaint used bookstore in New York City, experiences a life-altering encounter when Sandra steps into his world seeking a book. Initially hesitant to engage with Tom, their connection ignites into a passionate romance. However, their idyllic relationship takes a dark turn when Sandra reveals her brother’s life-threatening debt of $350,000. In a moment of desperation, Tom discloses his wealthy background and agrees to pay off the debt. Just as he hands over the funds to Sandra, she inexplicably vanishes, sending Tom into a downward spiral of anxiety and confusion.

Full summary

The whole story of Sharper, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Sharper Box Office

Sharper grossed $114,065 worldwide.

2023 box office

Worldwide gross

$114.1K

International
$114.1K
Videos

Sharper Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Sharper.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Sharper?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is Tom's profession in 'Sharper'?

Details

Sharper Also Known As

23 alternative titles, including “Sharper 騙す人” and “חד יותר”.

Also known as
  • Sharper 騙す人
  • חד יותר
  • ชาร์ปเปอร์
  • Oštriji
  • Оштрији
  • Sukčiavimas
  • Хитреци
  • '샤퍼' - Sharper
  • 騙子
  • Embaucadores
  • Simlis
  • Sharper: un plan perfecto
+11 more
  • Oszustwo
  • Ruse
  • Sharper - Uma Vida de Trapaças
  • Kẻ Lừa Đảo - Sharper
  • Аферисты
  • Мистецтво обману
  • 行骗高手
  • Sharper:騙す人
  • Slepar
  • 騙徒
  • शार्पर

Seen Sharper?

FAQ

Sharper FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Sharper, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Sharper?

Sharper runs 1 hour 56 minutes (116 minutes).

When was Sharper released?

Sharper was released on February 10, 2023.

Who is in the cast of Sharper?

Sharper stars Justice Smith as Tom, Briana Middleton as Sandra and Sebastian Stan as Max, among 17 credited actors.

How much did Sharper make at the box office?

Sharper grossed $114,065 worldwide.

How is Sharper rated?

Sharper has 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, 65 on Metacritic, 69% on TMDB and 3.2/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Sharper have a post-credit scene?

No. Sharper has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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