Review of Red Sparrow (2018) by Neil H — 07 Apr 2018

Absolutely loved every minute of this, while I admit I had to look away during some of the films more brutal sequences (which may be off putting to some), it is most likely a true reflection of the heavy handed, uncompromising reality of things when two nations most secretive organisations come into direct confrontation. Nothing is glossed over for over sensitive viewers, and this probably won't be anybody's cup of tea who thinks 'Salt' is the benchmark for female led spy thrillers. The chemistry between Jennifer Lawrence and her two male co-stars is sensational, and her journey from an innocent, privileged state treasure cherished tightly within the safe bosom of the Russian states most glorious institution, to expendable weapon of the Kremlins secretive foreign espionage arm, Lawrence shows the poise, grace and drive which make her character so memorable. Edgerton had me on the edge of my seat, as a decent hearted & likeable, but also reckless CIA agent, who leaves the audience with a sense of slowly building dread, that his good natured determination and naivety are slowly leading him into the clutches of Dominika's (Lawrence's) Kremlin masters. All the the intricacies of 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier,Spy', though set within a modern, and much more relevant, geopolitical theatre. I for one, will definitely be watching again and can only say that this is yet another example of mainstream critics, looking for completely different things within movies, than the audience who actually pays to watch them.

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