J-law thriller grips before losing its way

Red Sparrow Film4, Thursday at 9pm

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A battered and bruised Jennifer Lawrence is tested like never before in this gripping spy drama.

The 31-year-old bares her soul – and skin – as a reluctant Russian intelligence officer in one of her strongest turns yet.

The classy supporting cast includes Joel Edgerton, Charlotte Rampling (in a unusual darker role), Ciarán Hinds and Jeremy Irons.

A few scenes could’ve been left on the cutting room floor, though, as the second half drags and director Francis Lawrence, who helmed Lawrence in The Hunger Games sequels, over-eggs the dialogue.