Jennifer Lawrence goes undercover in Red Sparrow
CERT 15, 140 MINUTES, IN CINEMAS 1 MARCH
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts Director: Francis Lawrence
THE PLOT After Bolshoi Ballet star Dominika (a Russian-accented Lawrence) snaps her leg, she’s placed in dire economic need. Her uncle (Schoenaerts), who is deputy director of Russian intelligence service the SVR, exploits the situation, steadily drawing her into his shady world. Sent to train at the elite Sparrow School, Dominika soon learns that there are no boundaries – mental, physical or sexual – when it comes to serving the Russian state.
WHAT’S RIGHT WITH IT? Based on Jason Matthews’ 2013 novel, Red Sparrow boasts a gripping, twisty plot, which sees Dominika tasked with engaging a US spy (Edgerton), so she can discover the identity of his contact – a traitorous mole within the SVR. The classy cast also includes Charlotte Rampling as Sparrow School’s stern principal, and Mary-louise Parker as a vodkaswilling US senator’s aide selling state secrets to the Russians. WHAT’S WRONG WITH IT? Although the film somehow managed to avoid being saddled with an 18 certificate (instead it’s rated 15 for “strong bloody violence, gore, sexual violence, sex, very strong language”), two scenes of torture make for pretty queasy viewing.
VERDICT The latest provocative role for Lawrence – following 2017’s divisive Mother! – confirms her status as the Hollywood A-list’s most fearless young actor.