Red Sparrow is directed by Francis Lawrence and stars Jennifer Lawrence and Joel Edgerton.
Drama/Mystery/Thriller. Released 2018.
Joel Edgerton is the most open character in the film and as a result he is a major factor of any emotional investment in Red Sparrow, and he delivers a strong and convincing portrayal of Nate. Matthias Schoenaerts on the other hand is incredibly convincing but plays a more disturbingly cunning role which is a major element of the plot - he definitely deserves more work because if it was anyone lesser than Jennifer Lawrence as the lead, he would've stolen the show.
The film overall is very gritty, raw and unsettling, due to the events that take place, the settings, the desaturated visual palette, and again, that wall of uncertainty between the audience and the characters, which works in the film's favour to establish that uncomfortable tone - there is no point in this film where the characters relax and therefore the audience don't either; it's a film where you feel like you've been holding you're breath the whole time. It's quiet, intense and disturbing, and Francis Lawrence skilfully sets this tone throughout the entirety of the runtime.
...Which is very long. For a slow-moving and intense spy thriller like this, 140 minutes is too much, and although it had a gripping story attached, it wasn't anything which merited this extensive duration. However, revelations at the end of the film are very satisfying and it justifies having watched the rest of it, regardless of it's pace.
Jennifer Lawrence is easily one of the best young actresses working today. Therefore, I already had an innate anticipation for Red Sparrow, especially since she is re-teaming with director Francis Lawrence having already made three films together as a result of The Hunger Games franchise, which is loved by many, including me - I trust this team.
Jennifer Lawrence is excellent as always, but this time playing a subtle, introverted character and embodying someone who has experienced a lot of hardship. In addition, her Russian accent is golden. However, the character of Dominika as our protagonist should guide the story and connect with audiences, but I struggled to care for her throughout the film because there is a huge wall between her and the audience, and I believe this is intentional seeing as Dominika is very much a weapon, someone that audiences shouldn't trust or truly care for, which works to its effect to an extent, however it doesn't allow for any emotional investment in the character, because you just do not know what side she is on.
Joel Edgerton is the most open character in the film and as a result he is a major factor of any emotional investment in Red Sparrow, and he delivers a strong and convincing portrayal of Nate. Matthias Schoenaerts on the other hand is incredibly convincing but plays a more disturbingly cunning role which is a major element of the plot - he definitely deserves more work because if it was anyone lesser than Jennifer Lawrence as the lead, he would've stolen the show.
The film overall is very gritty, raw and unsettling, due to the events that take place, the settings, the desaturated visual palette, and again, that wall of uncertainty between the audience and the characters, which works in the film's favour to establish that uncomfortable tone - there is no point in this film where the characters relax and therefore the audience don't either; it's a film where you feel like you've been holding you're breath the whole time. It's quiet, intense and disturbing, and Francis Lawrence skilfully sets this tone throughout the entirety of the runtime.
...Which is very long. For a slow-moving and intense spy thriller like this, 140 minutes is too much, and although it had a gripping story attached, it wasn't anything which merited this extensive duration. However, revelations at the end of the film are very satisfying and it justifies having watched the rest of it, regardless of it's pace.
 |
With some pacing issues, Red Sparrow is a
well-directed disturbing spy thriller with a gripping
story and a haunting lead performance.
|
If you enjoy this genre or are a fan of Jennifer Lawrence, give this a go. It's in no way a must-see but there's enough substance there to make it moderately enjoyable :)
No comments:
Post a Comment