The new thriller Sharp Corner gets solid mileage out of a terrific Ben Foster performance

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The theme of obsession often serves as a powerful backdrop in suspenseful stories, much like Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic films such as Vertigo and Rear Window. In the movie Sharp Corner, the protagonist Josh McCall (played by Ben Foster), a seemingly normal family man who has moved into a new house with his wife Rachel (Cobie Smulders) and their child, finds himself entangled in an unexpected tragedy. On their very first day at this home, a car slams into a tree in the front yard, flames erupt dangerously close to their doorstep, and a flying tire even breaches the living room. The sharp bend in the road near this house is responsible for this terrifying accident. If you’re driving too quickly or not being careful enough, this turn can be deadly.

Rachel is greatly distressed following the accident, understandably wanting to depart right away. However, character McCall, as portrayed by Jason Buxton’s script (based on Russell Wangersky’s short story), moves contrary to her feelings. Instead of leaving the house, he wishes to remain there, even spending his days and nights in that same spot, hoping for the next accident to occur. McCall is stuck in a job he despises, finding his domestic life dull, and yearning for something new in his existence. These accidents provide him an opportunity to be a hero, to transform into someone significant. Therefore, McCall keeps his family within the house and continues staring at that potentially dangerous corner.

Time is running out soon. Another car accident is imminent, putting more lives at risk. But when that moment comes, McCall will have the opportunity to step up and prove himself worthy.

Ben Foster is an exceptionally under-appreciated actor over the past two decades. His performances in films like “The Messenger,” “Hell or High Water,” and particularly “Leave No Trace” have consistently shown his talent for delivering compelling characters. Much like John Cazale, he has a unique ability to make audiences relate to him as an ordinary person. The diversity of his roles, such as the stark contrast between his portrayal of Lance Armstrong in “The Program” and his supporting role in “Hostiles,” is remarkable. He manages to create such a wide range without resorting to over-the-top “method acting” or stereotypical exaggerations. This versatility is truly impressive.

Let me put it this way: It’s quite surprising that he isn’t more prominent in today’s movie industry. One might expect him to be a frequent collaborator with directors like Soderbergh, Lanthimos, or del Toro. But instead, actors like Rami Malek and Viggo Mortensen were recognized at the 91st Academy Awards, not Denzel Washington for his role in ‘Leave No Trace’. I’m just curious as to why that was the case, not out of bitterness. Is there a specific reason?

Instead of delving further into the Ben Foster fandom in this review, let’s steer our discussion back to “Sharp Corner.” Interestingly, Buxton decides to make this film predominantly centered around Ben Foster’s performance. It’s akin to certain movies that revolve entirely around Nicolas Cage’s actions in “Moonstruck.” Just as those films highlight Cage’s antics, “Sharp Corner” focuses on giving Foster the spotlight. This approach works well for creating an acceptable thriller. However, it also limits the film’s potential success. This isn’t a critique of Foster’s performance, but rather an acknowledgment that “Sharp Corner” is a competent, though not particularly remarkable, thriller in the realm of cinema.

In the film “Sharp Corner,” the visual style by Buxton and cinematographer Guy Godfree, while generally conventional, has only a few instances reminiscent of “Roma.” These moments, where the camera gradually rotates without blinking from one corner of the McCall house to another, showcase some individuality. However, most of the secondary characters in the narrative, such as friends of the McCall family or Rachel, fail to leave a lasting impression. The most disappointing aspect is the ending, which wraps up abruptly and unsurprisingly. The climax could have been made more impactful with a few additional bursts of creatively unsettling visuals.

Generally speaking, many people tune into “Sharp Corner” primarily to witness Ben Foster’s portrayal of a suburban father grappling with a dark savior complex. In this aspect, the series undeniably delivers. As Josh McCall, Foster brings an intense blend of William H. Macy and Todd Alquist-like charm to his role. The character from Breaking Bad is particularly evident when McCall attempts to connect with others in the wake of these car accidents. A chilling scene that stands out is when McCall attends the funeral of a man who perished at the infamous sharp corner, pretending to be a “golf friend” of the deceased. In a haunting imitation of sympathetic funeral guests, McCall tries to engage the deceased’s daughter in conversation.

Empathy for others, as portrayed by McCall, can be likened to a costume that’s put on and taken off at will. In this scene, Foster masterfully conveys this idea in a chilling understated manner, with his portrayal of McCall sharing a fabricated past with the deceased. Similar to Todd Alquist, Josh McCall appears to understand the expected human behaviors, yet struggles to genuinely express them. The character Foster creates is both captivating and unsettling. Throughout the movie “Sharp Corner,” Foster’s performance remains intriguingly composed. There’s a constant calmness in his madness, making it easy for people around him to view him as a contemporary Ned Flanders. However, this composure makes McCall’s moments of deranged behavior, like his casual assertion to a therapist that “no one would have died” in a car accident if he had been there, all the more terrifying.

Foster’s subtle portrayal of McCall is deeply engaging. It serves as a solid foundation for the indie thriller, although the film itself isn’t quite as unique as its star. Unfortunately, the 110-minute runtime highlights certain issues within Sharp Corner, such as making its less creative visual aspects more noticeable. However, for thriller enthusiasts unfamiliar with Foster’s work, the competent qualities of Sharp Corner will make for a pleasant (albeit not particularly memorable) viewing experience. As a platform for Ben Foster to shine, Sharp Corner is a testament to this actor’s immense talent. It would be great to see him taking the lead in a Wes Anderson or Lynne Ramsay film soon.

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2025-05-05 15:15