2023   A24  Apple TV+

Rated:  R

Length:  1 hr  56min

Crime ~ Drama ~ Thriller

Directed by:  Benjamin Caron

Starring:  Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, Briana Middleton, and John Lithgow.

Sharper: One who lives by their wits, gambles, cheats and swindles.

TOM:

The movie opens with the ticking of a watch, and a close up of someone putting together a Rolex watch. Then we see the definition of a Sharper. Then we see the name Tom (Justice Smith) on the screen. Then we see a man named Tom working in a vintage book store named Stories. A woman walks in looking for an old specific book. Tom finds it for her and, liking her, asks her out for dinner after he closes up. Her name is…….

Sandra:

Sandra (Briana Middleton) is a Law student at a local University and needs the book for school. Sandra agrees to go to dinner with Tom. They hit it off and become good friends, eventually dating. Their relationship grows as they experience the city nightlife and build a life together. We flashback to a point in Sandra’s life before Tom and we meet….

Max:

Max (Sebastian Stan) has a mother he can’t stand. She is dating a much older businessman named Richard Hobbes (John Lithgow) and Max doesn’t think much of him either. Max and Richard clash and Richard decides that Max must get out of his life so he can marry Max’s mother……

Madeline:

Madeline (Julianne Moore) loves Richard and wants to marry him but doesn’t know what to do about her troubled son Max. Or something like that. That is a brief synopsis of the movie and how it plays out, or is it?

I can’t say anymore about the movie except you need to pay attention. One thing leads to another, or does it? Nothing is as it seems and everything is what it seems, or is it? It will keep you guessing until the very end. Twisting and turning, from one story to the next, from one character to the next. Right up until the very last scene.

I thought it was brilliant, well done. Lots of great nighttime city shots and sceneries. I loved the bookstore in the beginning, I could definitely spend some time in there. Julianne Moore was fantastic as always and also co-produced the movie. Justice Smith, Briana Middleton, and John Lithgow were all great as well.

I honestly can’t say anything more about it or I would spoil the adventure for you. I think it is a thrilling Crime Drama you need to immerse yourself in……take the journey, give it a go. Tune everything out and watch sharper with both eyes open, and a sharper mind.

Two Thumbs Up!