Official film poster of “Focus” used under fair use for editorial review.


Focus: Slick Cons, Chemistry, and High-Stakes Deception

Introduction
Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, Focus (2015) plunges viewers into the glamorous, high-stakes world of professional con artists. Will Smith stars as seasoned grifter Nicky Spurgeon, who takes vulnerable newcomer Jess Barrett (Margot Robbie) under his wing. Set against backdrops that range from New Orleans’s French Quarter to Buenos Aires’s glittering casinos, the film blends slick style, unexpected twists, and sizzling chemistry. In this review, we’ll explore Focus’s plot, standout performances, visual flair, thematic undercurrents, and whether its final con sticks the landing.

1. Plot Overview

Focus opens with Nicky Spurgeon (Will Smith) working a complex scam on Bourbon Street: he and partner Farhad (Adrian Martinez) use sleight-of-hand and distraction to fleece tourists. During a layover in New York, Jess Barrett (Margot Robbie), a cocktail waitress, catches his eye—and his grand plan. Impressed by her keen intuition (and impressive poker face), Nicky invites her to Buenos Aires to join his crew for a lucrative oil rig con. They succeed spectacularly, but on the eve of their biggest payoff, Nicky abruptly abandons Jess. Two years later in New York, Jess, now a confident con artist herself, spots Nicky at a luxury car auction. What follows is a seductive dance of double-crosses and misdirection as each tries to out-con the other—culminating in a final heist that tests their trust and affections.

2. Direction & Style

Ficarra and Requa wrap Focus in a glossy sheen that matches the allure of its cons. The directors punctuate each scam with dynamic camera moves—handheld tracking through crowded streets, slow-motion reveals of hidden cards, and tight close-ups on subtle gestures. Costume designer Ellen Mirojnick dresses Jess in bold reds and purples that contrast Nicky’s muted grays and blues, visually underscoring their cat-and-mouse relationship. The editing by Janet Maslin balances tension and levity, cutting from nerve-wracking long takes during money drops to brisk montages of quick-change disguises. A jazz-tinged score by Nick Urata provides a playful, unpredictable backdrop—like a musical con artist whispering in your ear.

3. Performances & Chemistry

Will Smith delivers his signature magnetic charm as Nicky: suave, mischievous, and always two steps ahead. He radiates confidence in every card trick and emotional vulnerability when his guard briefly drops around Jess. Opposite him, Margot Robbie shines—her Jess is both wide-eyed at her first cons and razor-sharp when she returns the favor. Robbie’s expressive eyes sell each surprise twist, and her comedic timing makes their flirtatious banter spark with genuine warmth. Supporting players add flavor: Rodrigo Santoro as the charismatic Argentine gambler, B.D. Wong as a high-roller casino boss, and Gerald McRaney in a brief but memorable turn as a retired grifter who imparts fatherly wisdom. Together, the ensemble makes you root for both the heists and the burgeoning romance.

4. Scams & Set Pieces

Focus stages its con set pieces like mini-thrillers. In New Orleans, the “hoofing the ball” money-passing routine unfolds in real time, ratcheting tension with each split-second decision. The Buenos Aires poker rip-off hinges on a clever drugged-wine gag and synchronized distraction—watch the camera linger on a tumbling playing card before the big reveal. The auction sequence in New York ranks among the film’s best: layered bids, planted bidders, and sneaky wireless earpieces drive the drama, culminating in a hail-Mary move that upends expectations. Each set piece teaches Jess (and the audience) a new rule of seamingly innocuous behavior—and reminds us that in the world of Focus, nothing is ever what it seems.

5. Themes & Emotional Undercurrents

Beyond its slick veneer, Focus explores trust, redemption, and the cost of obsession. Nicky’s abrupt exit from Jess’s life underscores the emotional toll of a con-artist’s lonely existence. Jess’s transformation from naive bystander to confident equal highlights self-empowerment—but also raises questions about authenticity when life becomes one long performance. Their final con forces them to choose between cold-blooded greed and genuine connection. In the end, Focus suggests that the greatest risk isn’t running a perfect con, but letting someone see behind your mask.

Conclusion & Rating

Pros:

  • Electric chemistry between Smith and Robbie

  • Stylish direction and inventive scam set pieces

  • A playful, jazz-infused score that matches the film’s mood

Cons:

  • Occasional predictability in con-movie tropes

  • A final twist that some may find too neat

Rating: ★★★★☆

Did Focus keep you guessing until the last card was played? Share your favorite con twist in the comments below or tweet us @ReelMeetsComic!