In the tense ‘Sharper’ trailer, Julianne Moore, John Lithgow & others are caught in a dangerous con game

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Sharper, starring Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, Briana Middleton, and John Lithgow, lands in select theaters on Feb. 10 and Apple TV+ on Feb. 17

Sharper’s video depicts a lethal con game.

According to an official synopsis, the Apple Original Films/A24 film is “a neo-noir thriller of secrets and lies set amongst New York City’s bedrooms, barrooms, and boardrooms,” directed by Golden Globe and Emmy winner Benjamin Caron (The Crown).

“Characters compete for money and power in a high stakes game of ambition, greed, passion, and jealousy that will keep fans guessing until the final minute,” the film’s synopsis says. 

Sharper follows Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, Briana Middleton, and John Lithgow “from Fifth Avenue penthouses to the shadowy reaches of Queens,” according to the synopsis. “Motivations are questionable, and expectations have been turned upside down.”

Caron, 46, says that working with the star-studded cast was “unilaterally amazing,” with each of them bringing “so much humor and passion to this piece.”

“It was a dream to work with Julianne,” he added of Moore, 62. “I’ve long admired her work on television, and she exudes confidence. Sebastian plays the character with a combustible, deadly intensity, and Justice breaks your heart in the best way possible. Briana is the next big thing. I can’t wait for others to learn her name. Every moment with John Lithgow has gravitas.”

Expanding on Smith, 27, Caron says, “Justice brings such a sympathetic, easy charm to the role of Tom. His performance is beautifully judged and I really connected to his wonderfully natural, honest style of acting.”

“Also, he’s just a great guy,” the British filmmaker adds. “As Julianne would say, ‘He’s a sweetie.’ “

According to Caron, the picture is “inspired by a long line of outstanding films that love to keep spectators guessing till the end, such as The Usual Suspects, House of Games, Klute, Drive, The Thomas Crown Affair, The Color of Money, The Sting, and more.”

“Sharper is a unique, twisting, character-driven New York City thriller full of exciting shocks,” he continues. “It’s ideal for escapism at this time of year.”

Moore is co-producing the picture with Erik Feig, Jessica Switch, Bart Freundlich, Brian Gatewood, and Alessandro Tanaka, who also wrote the screenplay. Executive producers include Julia Hammer and Amy Herman.

Sharper will be available in select cinemas on February 10 and on Apple TV+ on February 17.