How a 2015 crime caper used real-life sleight-of-hand experts to deceive its audience

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Focus, a 2015 crime comedy-drama starring Will Smith and Margot Robbie, follows a seasoned con artist mentoring a novice grifter. Beyond its glamorous settings and romantic tension, the film relied on professional pickpocket consultants to choreograph its intricate scams, creating a slick, high-stakes world where nothing is ever quite as it seems.

Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, Focus centers on Nicky, a veteran grifter who takes Jess under his wing. Their relationship is complicated by Nicky's father, Bucky, who warned him against emotional involvement with colleagues. The narrative spans from New Orleans to Buenos Aires, featuring elaborate schemes involving sports betting, fuel-burning algorithms, and high-stakes theft. The film’s authenticity in its pickpocketing sequences was bolstered by the hiring of sleight-of-hand expert Apollo Robbins, who served as a consultant to choreograph the manual dexterity required for the characters' crimes.

The production was notable for being the first major Hollywood film edited entirely on Final Cut Pro X. Filming was a global endeavor, with principal photography beginning in New Orleans in September 2013 before moving to Buenos Aires in November. The Argentine capital provided a backdrop for various neighborhoods, including San Telmo and Recoleta, before the production wrapped in New York City in December 2013. The film's release in February 2015 was accompanied by a digital remastering for IMAX, reflecting its focus on high-gloss, escapist entertainment.

Critically, the film received mixed reviews, holding a 55% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 56 out of 100 on Metacritic. While some critics praised its charm and style, others found it shallow. Despite the critical reception, it was a financial success, grossing $158.8 million worldwide against a $50.1 million budget. The film's climax features a staged shooting—a misdirection tactic known as the 'Toledo Panic Button'—which serves as a final reminder that in the world of the film, every interaction is a potential con, even the ones that appear to be displays of genuine affection.

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