Before Suicide Squad: Revisiting Will Smith And Margot Robbie's 2015 Critical Flop

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Post on Apr 29, 2025

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Before Suicide Squad: Revisiting Will Smith and Margot Robbie's 2015 Critical Flop, Focus

Before the chaotic, albeit commercially successful, Suicide Squad (2016) captured audiences, Will Smith and Margot Robbie starred together in a film that largely flew under the radar – and for good reason. Their 2015 collaboration, Focus, while boasting a star-studded cast and intriguing premise, ultimately became a critical disappointment, raising questions about its execution and legacy. Let's revisit this often-forgotten film and explore why it failed to ignite the box office or critical acclaim despite its potential.

A Con Man's Game of Deception:

Focus centers around Nicky Spurgeon (Will Smith), a seasoned con artist who takes young, ambitious con artist Jess Barrett (Margot Robbie) under his wing. Their relationship becomes a complex interplay of mentorship, romance, and betrayal as they navigate increasingly elaborate schemes. The film promised a thrilling cat-and-mouse game with sharp dialogue and intricate plot twists. However, the execution fell short for many critics and viewers.

Where Focus Went Wrong:

Several factors contributed to Focus's critical and commercial underperformance:

• Predictable Plot: While the initial setup was promising, the plot became increasingly predictable as the film progressed. Many twists were telegraphed well in advance, diminishing the suspense and overall enjoyment. The narrative lacked the surprising turns and unexpected developments that a con artist film needs to thrive.

• Uneven Tone: Focus struggled to maintain a consistent tone. It oscillated between light-hearted comedy and intense drama without seamlessly blending the two. This tonal inconsistency created a disjointed viewing experience that prevented audiences from fully connecting with the characters or the story.

• Underwhelming Chemistry: Despite the star power of Smith and Robbie, their on-screen chemistry didn't quite ignite. While individually captivating, their interactions lacked the spark and believability necessary to sell the complex romantic tension central to the plot. The audience struggled to buy into their relationship, hindering emotional investment in the film's climax.

A Missed Opportunity?:

Focus had the potential to be a stylish and entertaining heist film. The film's beautiful cinematography and its Argentinian and New Orleans settings provided a visually appealing backdrop. However, these strengths were overshadowed by its narrative weaknesses. The film’s marketing also failed to effectively capture the essence of the story, potentially leading to audience confusion and lowered expectations.

The Legacy of Focus:

While Focus didn't achieve the success of its stars' later projects, it serves as a valuable reminder that even a film with a strong cast and intriguing concept needs a tightly written script and skillful execution to succeed. It's a cautionary tale for filmmakers, highlighting the importance of balancing style with substance and ensuring a cohesive and engaging narrative. The film’s relative failure likely contributed to a more cautious approach to similar projects in the years that followed. It remains an interesting case study in how a film with promising elements can still fall short of expectations. It’s a film often overlooked in discussions of Will Smith and Margot Robbie's filmographies, but a worthwhile revisit for those interested in exploring the complexities of Hollywood filmmaking.