Sharp Corner | TIFF 2024 | Review by: Stefano Bove

 

We have all watched horror movies when people find out something terrible happened inside their house but how would you feel if something traumatic happened at your property right before your eyes? Based on a short story by Russell Wangersky, Jason Buxton directs this location based thriller about a man who becomes obsessed with car accidents happening at his house.

 The film opens up with Josh (Ben Foster) and Rachel McCall  (Cobie Smulders) excited about moving into their new home. With their son Max off to sleep, Josh and Rachel attempt a late-night quicky that turns into a near death experience. A car loses control and smashes into a tree in their front yard which leads to the death of the driver. The story would be traumatic enough for anyone to handle if it was an isolated incident but the issue is a sharp corner at the edge of the property that keeps causing accidents unexpectedly. These traumatic experiences put a wedge in the McCall relationship as they both deal with the situation differently. Josh witnessing them first hand, develops PTSD and an unhealthy obsession with the situation. This hero complex that he develops is both frightening and dangerous but it is his choices that make the situation even more problematic.  

Ben Foster always delivers exceptional performances but Sharp Corner is truly up there as one of his best. The story is a great character study of obsessive behaviour and its destructive power it has with your family and loved ones. The series of events leading to the finale of the movie is actually completely unexpected and definitely one of the most shocking endings in any film at the festival. 

4/5

Review by: Stefano Bove