Common Sense Media Review
Unsettling midlife crisis turns obsessive; mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
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Sharp Corner
What's the Story?
SHARP CORNER follows family man Josh (played by Ben Foster) as his ordinary, mundane life takes a dark, twisted turn on a quest for purpose. Josh and his family—wife Rachel (Cobie Smulders) and their son—have just moved into their dream home. But then a series of unsettling car accidents caused by the dangerous bend outside of their hew house ignite Josh's obsession to be a hero. Desperate to make a difference and save lives, his once-noble intentions quickly spiral down a dangerous, slippery slope that could ultimately cost him everything.
Is It Any Good?
Subtle and unsettling, this is a cautionary tale of how good intentions can quickly take a wrong turn into a deadly head-on collision with obsession. Foster's tense, riveting performance in Sharp Corner conveys the stress of a midlife crisis—when societal pressures and impulsive thoughts can undermine even the most stable people.
With delusion disguised as heroism, the fragility of Josh's family structure crumbles under the weight of his breakdown. It's poignant, but the pacing is unbearably slow at times considering that this is a thriller. It's somewhat understandable given the delicate, tragic buildup of Josh's character. But in the end, it's hard not to wish that the movie could have taken Josh just one step further.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how good intentions can turn into dangerous obsession. Are Josh's intentions in Sharp Corner heroic or dangerous? Why? Does his journey seem realistic?
Why do you think people struggle with purpose and meaning in life? Why do you think Josh was obsessed with being a "hero" in this story? Can obsessions be healthy? Why, or why not?
How does the violence in this movie compare to what you might see in an action film? Which has a bigger impact on you? Why do you think that is?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 9, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : May 9, 2025
- Cast : Ben Foster , Cobie Smulders , Gavin Drea
- Director : Jason Buxton
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Vertical Entertainment
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Competition , Sports
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 8, 2025
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