Red Sparrow Movie Review

Image Source

So a little bit ago I just saw Red Sparrow staring Jennifer Lawrence, and from what I've seen the response to this movie has been a mixed bag, but what did I think about it?
So in this espionage thriller, Dominika (Jennifer Lawrence) is a ballerina who breaks her leg and looses her job. Her uncle who works for the Russian Government in the intelligence field recruits her as a spy under the guise to help her financially and help with her mother's medical bills and doctors.
So, what did the movie get wrong that's giving it so much of a mixed reaction?
Well, I want to say that this movie probably isn't for everyone, because there are some scenes that could be seen as disturbing to some, and some might not like some of the nudity involved in the context of this film. That being said, does it work well with the plot? Yes, it does and it makes sense for what the movie is going for.
Some of the acting can be a little stale sometimes. Also some of the characters can be a little cliché in the way they are portrayed. I also have one small gripe with Jennifer Lawrence's accent, and that is I could hear her break her Russian accent sometimes.
Now, what did the film get right?
First off the music score was phenomenally crafted for this film and it is really engaging and captures your interest in the moment.
The color scheme of the movie is highly appropriate for the tone that the film is going for, and I applaud the filmmakers for their choices.
Another thing that I really like in this movie is that there is no comedy. Don't get me wrong, I love comedy, but every once and awhile it's nice to have a film taken more seriously when the film is having a moment and it's not broken from comic relief (I'm looking at you marvel), it really does work well overall.
For the most part I thought that Jennifer Lawrence's acting was really well done, and I applaud her for it. Do I think that this movie will be remembered as one of her best? Probably not, but I think that this movie might gain a cult following.
Another thing I like in this film is the lack of action, but when it's presented, it can be... hmm... intense in some ways. In many spy/thriller type of films we usually see grandiose fight scenes (i.e. James Bond, and Kingsman), but this film shows the quitter side of the spy films. The lurking in the shadows that can really build tension.
The ending of the film was really well done. In the manner that the film ends, it makes perfect sense, and is executed beautifully.
Would I recommend seeing this film? Yes, yes I would. Sure it's not perfect, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it. I will probably buy this movie when it is released on DVD, and I think this movie will be a nice addition to my film collection.


final score: 4/5