Director and co-writer Jason Buxton‘s “Sharp Corner” is a psychological drama that delves into the typical dark recesses of human fixation and trauma, yet it feels so fresh and new. With a narrative that evolves from a seemingly mundane family story into a disturbing exploration of obsession, the unsettling tone makes for a very distressing moviegoing experience.
On the night that Josh (Ben Foster) and Rachel (Cobie Smulders) move into their new suburban dream home with their young son, a car crash occurs on their front lawn. Several people are injured and one is killed in the jarring accident, which shakes up the entire family. As Josh investigates, he discovers that the dangerous road design has led to a series of similar accidents in the past. This realization triggers an all-consuming obsession in Josh, who becomes fixated on preventing future tragedies. His desire to protect the family goes so far that it begins to cause his personal life and relationships to deteriorate.
Buxton creates a fascinating character study that is presented in an original way by turning a suburban home into a nightmarish setting. The film maintains a steady sense of unease as the behavior of the main character becomes increasingly erratic. Josh’s psychological breakdown is both disturbing and engrossing, especially as his well-meaning intentions spiral into unsettling extremes.
Foster’s portrayal of a man overcome with compulsive behavior captures the essence of someone who is teetering on the brink of psychological collapse. He’s terrific here, conveying a sense of mounting tension and disturbing behavior that’s so deeply unsettling, it actually caused me anxiety as an audience member (the film’s intensity and dark subject matter might be overwhelming for those sensitive to psychological and emotional stress, as it delves into deeply unsettling themes that quite honestly should come with a trigger warning).
That’s where the film finds so much of its success, especially in its ability to evoke a stress response from the tense atmosphere. The creeping dread that permeates the story is palpable, and the depiction of Josh’s deteriorating mental state effectively underscores the movie’s exploration of the human psyche. The thematically rich film raises deeper questions about Josh’s need to be a hero as well as a savior, the nature of trauma, and the lengths individuals will go to find meaning or redemption in their lives.
A powerful and unsettling film, “Sharp Corner” perfectly explores the complexities of human obsession and trauma. With a gripping narrative that evolves from mundane to horrific, the film offers a thought-provoking study of a psychological breakdown. This is one that will stick with you for a while.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 