Life doesn’t always completely unravel in one sudden, theatrical moment. At times, it comes apart gradually — akin to a fissure extending across a window, unavoidable and impossible to overlook. Sharp Corner, a psychological thriller authored by Jason Buxton and Russell Wangersky, portrays such a moment of subtle ruin. It narrates the tale of an everyday man whose seemingly satisfying existence starts to crack after a distressing incident, revealing the raw fragility beneath his composed facade.
Ben Foster takes on the role of Josh McCall, a gentle father and spouse whose life is turned upside down during what ought to be a new beginning. On their first night in their freshly acquired suburban Canadian residence, Josh and his wife Rachel (played by Cobie Smulders of High School) are getting comfortable — tucking in their son Max (William Kosovic), enjoying a moment of closeness — when calamity occurs. A vehicle crashes through their front window, sending a tire hurtling past Rachel’s head and shattering their sense of security. It’s a shocking, surreal incidence that establishes the tone for the entire film.
From that point on, Sharp Corner morphs into a slow-burn examination of trauma, masculinity, and the quiet despair that can follow a close encounter with mortality. Josh, once assured in his role as guardian, is left bewildered and tentative. While Rachel concentrates on caring for their son and steering clear of the subject, Josh is left alone with his spiraling thoughts. He fixates on the accident, seeks to comprehend its cause, and immerses himself in learning CPR — anything to regain a sense of command. But as more incidents occur at the treacherous curve near their home, his anxiety intensifies, driving him toward increasingly unstable actions.
Foster, recognized for emotionally charged roles in films like Hell or High Water, Leave No Trace, and The Messenger, offers a profoundly empathetic portrayal. His depiction of Josh is nuanced and raw — a man yearning to be acknowledged, to be useful, to feel whole once more. He’s not a stereotype of toxic masculinity; he is someone who seeks to discuss his trauma but finds no means of expression. His wife is emotionally distant, his friends are not ready for profound discussions, and a rigid psychiatrist provides little solace.
Instead, Josh converts his fear into proactive measures. He erects barriers to thwart future collisions, readies himself for emergencies, and relentlessly hopes that he can shield his family from the unpredictability of calamity. Foster’s performance conveys the hushed panic of a man coming apart, his tension bubbling just below the surface.
Smulders, despite having limited screen presence, infuses Rachel with depth. She is not depicted as frigid or unsympathetic, but rather as someone managing the same trauma in her unique way — through silence, parenting, and denial. Her exchanges with Josh subtly shift depending on whether they are alone or accompanied by their son, enriching the complexity of their strained connection. Together, Foster and Smulders form a portrayal of a couple on the brink, their bond unraveling under the pressure of unvoiced anxieties.
Director Jason Buxton maintains a visually muted approach for the film, utilizing a cool, subdued color scheme within the home to contrast with the turmoil outside. The crashes are represented with restraint — more suggested than displayed — heightening their emotional resonance. The dread in Sharp Corner does not revolve around bloodshed; it pertains to the psychological burden of existing in fear, of feeling powerless against unpredictable violence.
The film’s screenplay is meticulously crafted, accurately tracing Josh’s decline. However, it momentarily stumbles in the second act with a scene where a psychiatrist essentially narrates Josh’s emotional state — a moment that feels overly explicit in an otherwise nuanced film. Thankfully, the narrative regains its balance in the concluding act, providing an ending that is both chilling and emotionally impactful.
Sharp Corner stands as a succinct, emotionally charged thriller that delves into the quiet devastation of trauma and the societal pressures that frequently leave men lacking the tools to process it. Featuring standout performances from Ben Foster and Cobie Smulders, the film presents a gripping, empathetic portrayal of a family on the edge — and a man desperately striving to keep it all intact.
Sharp Corner premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and is currently screening in theaters.
UPDATE: May 8, 2025, 12:26 p.m. EDT — This review was originally published on Sept. 6, 2024, as part of Mashable’s coverage of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. It has been updated to reflect the film’s theatrical release.