Review of Focus (2015) by Moviemew _ — 04 Nov 2017

I was quite surprised how unique the setting "Focus" takes place in was. It takes the viewer through the underground world of pickpocket organisations (albeit most probably a heavily dramatised version thereof), making for a maffia-esque vibe every now and then. The plot focuses on Will Smith's character "Nicky", who - as is accustomed for every one of his movies - stands out for his peculiarity, that being his excellence in the art of deceit, in this case.

With the exception of only a few scenes, the imaging is absolutely stunning, although the use of blue and purple neon light gets old rather quickly. This movie's strongest trait, however, is its writing and thus story. Seeing as to how the main focus lies on a bunch of bamboozlers, the dialogue is very well-sophisticated, as are Will Smith's and Margot Robbie's portrayals (the latter of whom making for a jovial, beautiful, antagonistic not-quite-seductress).

A perfect addition to this, especially since the film focuses on the misleading of the human mind, is that the plot makes multiple brilliant and unexpected twists, almost as if M. Night Shyamalan had a say in the writing process as to - indirectly - break the fourth wall; the audience is being deceived, in a film about deceit, even though you thought you hadn't lost focus.