Filmmaker Benjamin Caron and the cast of ‘Sharper’ discuss the dynamics on set, New York, and more

Director Benjamin Caron and actors Justice Smith and Briana Middleton sit down for an exclusive interview to discuss the message of ‘Sharper,’ the character-driven nature of the film, and more

Set in New York City, Apple TV+’s latest con-drama Sharper, directed by Golden Globe, Emmy and BAFTA-winning British film and television director Benjamin Caron, features the likes of Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith (known for starring in movies like All The Bright Places and Detective Pikachu) and Briana Middleton, who according to Benjamin, is a star in the making.

To Justice Smith, who plays the role of Tom in the film, the character-driven narrative of Sharper is what makes the film special in an age when the industry is rife with satire of the rich. “It is a perspective-based film. Like in life, there are no clear antagonists or protagonists, everyone has their motivations and justifications for their actions,” the actor says.

“ Sharper stands out from the rest because it is a really good film… I think I have to say that because I made it,” jokes Benjamin but he continues, “I think it is smart, funny, sexy, character-driven and original. I loved it because it is a devious comic thriller about sexual politics, trust, and betrayal. It has twists and turns, and is built like a poker game where stakes get higher and higher.”

Benjamin, who has directed award-winning shows like The Crown and Sherlock, is making his feature debut with Sharper. He notes that with the landscape of television and cinema changing in the modern day, it has become easier to shift between the two mediums: “The same artists are directing, writing, and acting in both the mediums, and I think that is brilliant.”

“Sebastian Stan is unpredictable and that is what you want from actors; you never know where he’s going to go and what he’s going to do. He vibrates on the screen,” Benjamin says brimming with adulation. Briana, who shares a few scenes with Sebastian, says that the actor was very supportive, “I learned a lot from working with Sebastian. He was very giving and caring towards me.”

Benjamin also credits Julianne Moore as the reason behind his involvement in the project. “Julianne Moore is box-office. She is one of the best actors working today. She’s our fierce leader and a major reason why a lot of the cast (and I) came on board,” he shares.

The filmmaker shares a long-standing relationship with John Lithgow, who plays the role of Richard Hobbes — a personification of New York’s wealthy, since their time on The Crown. “I am glad he is in my first film.”