Red Sparrow ***
Red Sparrow is a film lead actress Jennifer Lawrence has been quoted as being ‘very proud’ of, but one that has its fair share of controversy attached because of the many scenes of abuse, nudity and violence that generally involve Lawrence’s character, spy Dominika, as the recipient. This can be substantiated by the fact that there were such ‘Sparrows’ trained in Soviet Russia to use seduction techniques in espionage on their opponents, though the actual scenes portrayed will make for uncomfortable viewing for some.
It is definitely a very adult film choice for Lawrence to do, one that her Katniss fans might be old enough to watch, but surprised at their acting heroine taking on, considering her advocacy in the recent Time’s Up movement against sexual harassment. They can take some comfort from knowing that her and Hunger Games director Francis Lawrence — who directs her in this — worked closely together, making sure what was portrayed was in proportion and relevant to the story.
Lawrence plays a prima ballerina in the Bolshoi Ballet who gets launched into the espionage world against her will, after a career-changing accident and the ever-present, looming influence of her dubious Russian intelligence uncle, Vanya Egorov (Matthias Schoenarts). She must train and survive as a ‘Sparrow’ to care for her sick mother, Nina (Joely Richardson). However, her mark, CIA agent Nate Nash (Joel Edgerton) — who she must seduce for information — changes her course, threatening not just their lives but the lives of others.
Definitely not for the faint-hearted, rather than be appalled at Lawrence’s character’s treatment in this, you might equally praise the actress for such a brave and bold move. What happens to Dominika is acutely timely, given the Time’s Up debate, and is ironically, very relevant, given the project was started three years before. Indeed, it is hard not to think about the actress’s hacked nude photos and her feelings of being violated back in 2014 when watching this, almost as though taking this on, is her way of controlling how you see her body – admittedly, on a bigger screen.
Controversy aside, Lawrence is captivating in her portrayal of a poker-faced spy, and although the scenes of brutality feel continuous – and the run-time too drawn out, there is a torturous realism to their impact that feels relentless. Still, it is unsettling seeing a female being abused in this way, however much she gives back. Actually, the spy training has some of the most shocking scenes that involve steely-faced Charlotte Rampling as Matron directing affairs.
The only cast member that feels a trifle ‘miscast’ in this is Schoenarts, who is supposed to be a rather twisted individual. Putin resemblance aside, the actor’s handsome looks are pleasant on the eye, but he just does not have the required gravitas to carry off this role with utter conviction, however much the actor gives it his all. This is further emphasized when his character plays alongside stalwart, legendary co-stars, Jeremy Irons and Ciaran Hinds in this.
Red Sparrow is aimed at fans of a good Cold War drama, but feels too stylized to have the real raw impact it could potentially have had. Whether intentional or not, such a ‘polished’ production does provide titillation and some concern that certain scenes are ‘enjoyed’ for all the wrong reasons, regardless of well-meaning intention. That said there is always a danger of that with any abuse on screen that is scripted, and Red Sparrow is no different.
Still, action-packed and unforgiving in nature, Red Sparrow will be as divisive for fans as Mother! was for Lawrence, though the actress’s character has power in this. The ending does leave things open for a sequel though: You be the judge as to whether it warrants it.
3/5 stars
By @FilmGazer
