Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, "Focus" is a slick 2015 heist drama that combines elements of romance, con artistry, and deception, featuring a charismatic leading duo in Will Smith and Margot Robbie.
As someone who generally doesn't gravitate toward romantic comedies, I found myself pleasantly surprised by "Focus," particularly in how it crafted its narrative and character arcs in the first half of the film. However, as the story unfolded, I couldn't help but feel that it rushed through critical plot points, leaving me somewhat unsatisfied by the film's conclusion. In many ways, this film felt akin to another Will Smith movie, "Hitch," just with a different plot.
Plot Summary
"Focus" follows Nicky Spurgeon (Will Smith), a seasoned con artist and master of deception, who takes a talented young woman, Jess Barrett (Margot Robbie), under his wing. The film opens with Nicky teaching Jess the ins and outs of the con game, showcasing elaborate schemes and witty banter that establishes the pair’s chemistry. As they build their partnership, romantic tensions begin to brew, which adds an intriguing layer to the story. However, just as their relationship begins to blossom and deepen, Nicky abruptly ends things, leaving Jess behind.
The story progresses to Nicky's next big con in New Orleans, where he gets entangled with wealthy clientele. As the stakes rise, he must grapple with the unresolved feelings he still harbors for Jess. While the initial premise held promise, the execution begins to feel rushed, lacking the depth and nuance established earlier. The narrative, which had initially drawn me in with its clever dialogue and engaging setup, started to lose its focus as the film juggled multiple elements, making it difficult to maintain the same captivating energy.
First Half Analysis: Strong Foundation
What struck me as particularly well-executed was the first half of the film, where the writing shines through its articulate delivery and engaging character dynamics. The interplay between Nicky and Jess is both playful and electric, and the film's focus on the intricacies of con artistry adds depth to their relationship. The dialogue flows smoothly, infusing humor and tension in equal measure, which made me invested in their con games and the ups and downs of their connection.
The film adeptly balances the heist aspects with character development, making it easy to overlook my usual reservations toward romantic elements. I appreciated the time taken to set up the story and establish the multi-faceted nature of its characters, creating a solid foundation for the unfolding narrative.
Second Half Analysis: Rushed and Disjointed
However, as the second half of "Focus" rolled around, I felt a distinct shift in pacing and narrative cohesion. It seemed that the filmmakers attempted to blend the romance with the heist plot, but it felt more like everything had been thrown into a mixer than a carefully constructed narrative arc. Elements from the romance genre felt forced into the already intricate plot, diluting the cleverness that defined the initial act.
This rushed concoction led to significant plot points feeling glossed over, where motivations and character decisions felt contrived rather than organic. Jess’s relationship with Nicky begins to take unexpected turns that, while cheeky, detracted from the elaborate setup that could have made these developments impactful.
The Letdown Ending
To top it all off, the ending left much to be desired. After a build-up filled with potential twists and clever machinations, the resolution felt simplistic and somehow unsatisfactory. Instead of a grand reveal or a fulfilling payoff, the final moments fell flat, especially given the intricate setups established earlier. I found myself wishing for a more nuanced conclusion that could have done justice to the thrilling potential displayed at the start of the film.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Focus" stands out for its engaging opening sequence, high-energy performances, and an intriguing premise that drew me in from the start. The chemistry between Will Smith and Margot Robbie is palpable, and the con artistry is executed with finesse. However, the film ultimately falters in its second half, where a hurried conclusion and a rushed narrative arc degrade the quality of what could have been a clever and satisfying heist tale.
As someone who typically skips rom-coms, I didn’t dislike “Focus”—indeed, the film had moments that I genuinely enjoyed. Yet, the stark contrast between its initial strength and final execution left me feeling like the film didn’t fulfill its potential. If you appreciate the heist genre blended with romantic elements, "Focus" may still be worth your time, but be prepared for a finale that might not meet your expectations.
