Jennifer Lawrence plays Dominika Egorova, a Russian ballerina who is recruited to become a Sparrow for her country
Credit: IMDB
“Red Sparrow,” a movie following a Russian ballerina as she gets trapped by her government to get information from an American C.I.A. agent, landed in theatres March 2.
“Red Sparrow” is a movie based on the first book by the same name in the “Red Sparrow” trilogy by Jason Matthews. Matthews was a former C.I.A. agent which inspired his unique books full of little insider details. This allowed the movie to have deeper insights and details making it pretty interesting.
The movie begins with a series of mirror image scenes of the main characters Dominika (Jennifer Lawrence) and Nate Nash (Joel Edgerton). Dominika is a Russian ballerina who is sitting on her bed and Nate is an American C.I.A. agent, sitting on his countertop. Dominika soon is readying to perform on stage in a leading role, and Nate is going to a park to meet with the Russian asset, Marble, for the United States. The music builds, and disaster strikes for both characters when Dominika is severely injured while performing and Nate gets chased down by the police.
Dominika loses her part in the ballet, and Nate gets removed from his case. But, through a series of choices, Dominika ends up at Sparrow School where she begins to train to work for the Russian government thanks to the help from her uncle, Vanya Egorov (Matthias Schoenaerts). Nate ends up getting his case back, only after his superiors fail at succeeding where he had.
After a few months of going through the Sparrow program, Dominika’s first assignment is given to her, and she has no choice but to accept it to keep providing for her sick mother Nina (Joely Richardson). Both Dominika and Nate end up in Budapest where they meet and begin their relationship.
“Red Sparrow” is rated R and is rated so for a very good reason. It is dark and does not shy away from controversial topics like rape. Torture is also a large part of how the characters get their ways; from peeling off skin to showering in freezing water, there is no remorse when it comes to getting characters to confess. Characters are beaten and even killed so others can remain in high-profile positions. There are full-on nudity shots and sexual deeds performed on camera, as well. One important part of being a Sparrow is to be able to control their targets by getting to know their targets’ sexual preferences. Cigarettes and alcohol are involved in almost every scene too. For anyone who may be triggered by these topics, “Red Sparrow” may not be the best movie to go see.
For those who can stomach the violence, “Red Sparrow” is like watching the characters play one big game for power. Depending on how closely the movie-goer watches, depends on how surprising the final moments of the movie are.
A couple of things that were done well were the settings and lighting. There was a very obvious contrast between the characters who held power and those who did not. Those higher up on the food chain dine and stay in extravagance—gold detailing and high ceilings, clean cuts and money line everything, while those working for the governments get some minor luxuries like running water. Lighting was warm and inviting when characters were in better situations, contrasted with colder, dingier lighting when situations weren’t ideal.
“Red Sparrow” is a movie that can be taken as is, and the audience would be satisfied as it tied off many of its loose ends. However, there are few ends that were left loose as if there could be a possibility of continuing with a sequel.
For a mystery drama, “Red Sparrow” is definitely worth a watch.
4 out of 5 paws.
