Red Sparrow (2018).

Chipper F. Xavier, Esq.


Dominika Egorova (Jennifer Lawrence) is a prima ballerina for the Bolshoi Ballet Company. After a freak accident which abruptly ends her career, Dominika is forced to work for the state department of Russia in order to support herself and her mother. When Dominika's uncle Vanya (Matthias Schoenaerts) gives her an assignment she cannot refuse, how far will she go to ensure the safety of her family?

Reuniting Jennifer with director Francis Lawrence (no relation), Red Sparrow is her most ambitious film to date. Adapted from the book written by retired CIA operative Jason Matthews, the movie fairly crackles with sex, depravity and modern-day realism.

If the trailers had you thinking this movie is a hybridized mash-up of Atomic Blonde, Black Swan and Molly's Game, you'd be only one-third right. Suffice it to say that while Red incorporates elements of all those thrillers, it is unique in its delivery and fresh in its style.

Lush cinematography, intriguing dialog and a convoluted plot make this a true thinking-person's espionage thriller. Jennifer Lawrence is in nearly every scene, and her character burns up the screen with a heartfelt sense of purpose - even when we don't quite know what that is. Her development as an actress may not yet be complete, as Lawrence shows the audience we have only begun to scratch the surface of her talent.

Clocking in at 139 minutes, this movie may test the patience of the average thrill-seeker. True movie lovers, however, will likely leave the theater thirsting for more.