Margot Robbie and Will Smith’s 2015 crime-comedy Focus has rocketed to the top of Netflix’s most-watched list in the U.S., taking the No. 1 spot this week. Directed and written by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, Focus follows Nicky Spurgeon (Smith), a seasoned con artist who takes the young and ambitious Jess Barrett (Robbie) under his wing, teaching her the ropes of the high-pressure world of scams and heists. Focus marked one of the earliest collaborations between Smith and Robbie, laying the groundwork for their future on-screen team-up in 2016’s Suicide Squad.
Recently added to the streaming platform, Focus has risen to claim the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s Top 10 movies in the U.S., ranking above Meet Me Next Christmas and The Lost City. While the film received mixed reviews upon its original release, audiences have since rediscovered its appeal, driven by Robbie and Smith’s undeniable chemistry. This resurgence speaks to the lasting interest in the pair’s earlier work and the film’s refreshing blend of comedy, crime, and romance.
What Focus’s Major Return to Audiences Means
How The Film’s Popularity Shows the Power of Streaming Re-Releases
Focus’s resurgence on Netflix highlights the ongoing draw of Robbie and Smith, who have become two of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. Released in 2015, Focus found its audience appreciating the film’s stylish portrayal of the high-stakes con game and its charismatic performances. The film’s success on Netflix likely stems from the renewed interest in seeing the two stars together on-screen in a more playful, comedic setting than in the grittier Suicide Squad. Additionally, Robbie’s continued success in hits like Barbie and Smith’s newest franchise hit Bad Boys: Ride or Die may be prompting new viewers to explore their filmography.
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By returning to the No. 1 spot on Netflix, Focus underscores how streaming platforms can breathe new life into films that might not have been major hits upon release but find a receptive audience years later. For viewers, the film offers a glimpse into Robbie and Smith’s strong on-screen chemistry, which would go on to shape their tough yet playful dynamic in 2016’s Suicide Squad.
Our Take On Margot Robbie & Will Smith In Focus
Robbie & Smith’s Team-Up Shines In The Comedy Drama
Focus serves as a reminder of Margot Robbie and Will Smith’s dynamic chemistry and skillful performances in a slick, engaging crime-comedy. Their interplay as Nicky and Jess blends tension, charm, and humor, elevating the film’s plot and making it a joy to revisit. For fans of heist films and high-stakes drama, Focus offers a unique viewing experience that captures a sensual side of the con artist genre, and its return to popularity speaks volumes about the staying power of its leads and their magnetic partnership.
Source: Netflix
Veteran con man Nicky Spurgeon (Will Smith) gets romantically involved with an attractive young woman named Jess (Margot Robbie) and teaches her the tricks of his trade. Nicky breaks the relationship off when Jess gets too close, and years later, the two are reunited on opposite sides of the same scam.
- Director
- Glenn Ficarra , John Requa
- Release Date
- February 27, 2015
- Studio(s)
- Warner Bros. Pictures
- Distributor(s)
- Warner Bros. Pictures
- Writers
- John Requa , Glenn Ficarra
- Runtime
- 105minutes
- Budget
- $50.1 million