Red Sparrow is a 2018 spy thriller film directed by Francis Lawrence and based on the novel of the same name by Jason Matthews. The film stars Jennifer Lawrence as Dominika Egorova, a Russian ballerina who is forced to become a spy for the Russian intelligence agency after suffering a career-ending injury. As she trains to become a “Sparrow,” a highly-trained operative who uses seduction and manipulation as weapons, Dominika becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of deception and intrigue.
The film also stars Joel Edgerton as Nate Nash, a CIA agent who becomes romantically involved with Dominika as they work together to thwart a Russian plot. The film features a talented supporting cast, including Matthias Schoenaerts, Charlotte Rampling, Mary-Louise Parker, and Jeremy Irons.
Red Sparrow received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Jennifer Lawrence’s performance and the film’s intense action sequences, while others criticized the convoluted plot and graphic violence. Despite mixed reviews, the film was a modest commercial success, grossing over $150 million worldwide against a budget of $69 million.
Red Sparrow was notable for its dark and suspenseful atmosphere, as well as its exploration of themes such as power, control, and manipulation. The film’s portrayal of the spy world was also praised for its realism and attention to detail.
Cast
The cast of Red Sparrow (2018) includes:
- Jennifer Lawrence as Dominika Egorova
- Joel Edgerton as Nate Nash
- Matthias Schoenaerts as Vanya Egorov
- Charlotte Rampling as Matron
- Mary-Louise Parker as Stephanie Boucher
- Jeremy Irons as General Korchnoi
- Ciarán Hinds as Alexei Ivanovich Zyuganov
- Joely Richardson as Nina Egorova
- Sergei Polunin as Konstantin
Jennifer Lawrence plays the lead role of Dominika Egorova, a ballerina turned spy. Joel Edgerton plays Nate Nash, a CIA agent who works with Dominika to uncover a Russian plot. Matthias Schoenaerts plays Vanya Egorov, Dominika’s uncle and a high-ranking official in Russian intelligence. Charlotte Rampling plays Matron, the stern and unforgiving head of the Sparrow school. Mary-Louise Parker plays Stephanie Boucher, a CIA operative who works with Nate. Jeremy Irons plays General Korchnoi, a high-ranking Russian official. Ciarán Hinds plays Alexei Ivanovich Zyuganov, a Russian politician. Joely Richardson plays Nina Egorova, Dominika’s mother. Sergei Polunin plays Konstantin, a fellow Sparrow trainee who becomes Dominika’s friend and ally.
Production
Red Sparrow (2018) was directed by Francis Lawrence and produced by Peter Chernin, Steven Zaillian, Jenno Topping, and David Ready. The screenplay was written by Justin Haythe and based on the novel of the same name by Jason Matthews.
The film was shot on location in Hungary and Slovakia, with additional filming taking place in London and the United States. The production team used a variety of practical effects and stunts to create the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and action sequences.
The film’s budget was reported to be $69 million, and it was distributed by 20th Century Fox. The production team faced some challenges during filming, including the need to create a convincing Russian setting and the use of graphic violence and sexual content.
Red Sparrow was released on March 2, 2018, and was marketed as a suspenseful and provocative spy thriller. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the performances of the cast and the film’s intense action sequences, while others criticized the convoluted plot and graphic violence. The film was a modest commercial success, grossing over $151 million worldwide.
Reviews
Red Sparrow (2018) received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 47% based on 283 reviews, with an average rating of 5.7/10. The site’s critical consensus reads: “Red Sparrow aims for smart, sexy spy thriller territory, but Jennifer Lawrence’s committed performance isn’t enough to prop up a dreary, convoluted story.”
On Metacritic, the film has a score of 53 out of 100 based on 52 reviews, indicating “mixed or average reviews”.
Some critics praised the film’s suspenseful atmosphere, Jennifer Lawrence’s performance, and the film’s exploration of power, control, and manipulation. Others criticized the convoluted plot, graphic violence and sexual content, and the film’s length.
Despite mixed reviews, the film was a modest commercial success, grossing over $150 million worldwide against a budget of $69 million. The film’s success was attributed to the popularity of Jennifer Lawrence and the marketing of the film as a provocative and intense spy thriller.
Where are they now?
Here’s a brief update on what some of the main cast members of Red Sparrow (2018) are up to now:
- Jennifer Lawrence, who played Dominika Egorova, has continued to act in film, television, and theater, appearing in projects such as X-Men: Dark Phoenix, Mother!, and The Hunger Games prequel film, as well as Broadway productions. She is also a producer and advocate for various causes.
- Joel Edgerton, who played Nate Nash, has continued to act in film and television, appearing in projects such as Boy Erased, The King, and The Underground Railroad. He is also a writer, director, and producer.
- Matthias Schoenaerts, who played Vanya Egorov, has continued to act in film and television, appearing in projects such as The Mustang, A Hidden Life, and The Old Guard.
- Charlotte Rampling, who played Matron, has continued to act in film and television, appearing in projects such as 45 Years, Dexter, and The Little Stranger.
- Mary-Louise Parker, who played Stephanie Boucher, has continued to act in film and television, appearing in projects such as Red Sparrow, When We Rise, and Mr. Mercedes.
- Jeremy Irons, who played General Korchnoi, has continued to act in film, television, and theater, appearing in projects such as Watchmen, The Borgias, and An Actor Prepares.
Overall, the cast members of Red Sparrow have continued to have successful careers in the entertainment industry, with many appearing in a variety of different projects. They have also pursued other interests and philanthropic endeavors outside of acting.
Fun facts
Here are some fun facts about Red Sparrow (2018):
- Jennifer Lawrence underwent intensive training for her role as Dominika Egorova, including ballet lessons, Russian language lessons, and martial arts training.
- The film’s graphic violence and sexual content caused some controversy and led to an R-rating in the United States.
- The film’s plot and themes were inspired by real-life events and the experiences of former intelligence officers.
- The film’s title is a reference to the term “sparrow,” which is used in the intelligence community to describe operatives who use seduction and manipulation as weapons.
- The film’s production team used a variety of practical effects and stunts to create the film’s intense action sequences, including car chases and fight scenes.
- The film’s supporting cast includes several renowned actors, including Charlotte Rampling, Jeremy Irons, and Ciarán Hinds.
- The film’s director, Francis Lawrence, previously worked with Jennifer Lawrence on the final three Hunger Games films.
- The film was released in the same year as another spy thriller featuring a female lead, Atomic Blonde, which starred Charlize Theron.
- The film’s soundtrack was composed by James Newton Howard, who has composed music for numerous other films, including The Hunger Games and The Dark Knight.
- Despite mixed reviews, the film was a modest commercial success, grossing over $150 million worldwide.
Box office
Red Sparrow (2018) was made with a reported budget of $69 million. The film was released on March 2, 2018, and grossed $6.2 million domestically in its opening day, and $16.9 million in its opening weekend.
The film continued to perform moderately well at the box office, grossing over $104 million internationally and $151 million worldwide. While the film was not a major commercial success, it did earn back its budget and made a modest profit.
Red Sparrow was praised for its suspenseful atmosphere, intense action sequences, and Jennifer Lawrence’s performance, but received mixed reviews overall, with criticism aimed at its convoluted plot and graphic content.
Despite mixed reviews, the film was successful enough to recoup its production costs and make a profit, and may have helped pave the way for more female-led spy thrillers and action films in Hollywood.