If you missed “Red Sparrow” when it hit theaters in 2018, you’re not alone. Despite starring Jennifer Lawrence at the peak of her fame, the film flew under the radar, earning mixed reviews and a modest box office return. But make no mistake—this psychological spy thriller is a hidden gem that deserves a second look, especially for fans of slow-burn espionage stories and complex female leads.
Jennifer Lawrence plays Dominika Egorova, a Russian ballerina whose life is upended after a career-ending injury. Forced into a brutal intelligence training program known as “Sparrow School,” she’s molded into a weapon of seduction and manipulation. It’s a chilling premise, and the film doesn’t shy away from the trauma and violation involved—but Lawrence elevates the material, delivering one of the boldest and most emotionally raw performances of her career.
At 5’9” with a striking, athletic build, Lawrence may not have convinced everyone as a prima ballerina (a role typically reserved for more petite dancers), but once the story shifts into espionage territory, she absolutely commands the screen. Dominika isn’t your typical “femme fatale.” She’s reluctant, emotionally scarred, and constantly calculating her next move. Lawrence captures that complexity perfectly, blending vulnerability with icy resolve.
What makes her performance so powerful is the emotional cost of seduction. Dominika doesn’t wield her sexuality with ease—she uses it because she has to, and Lawrence never lets the audience forget that. Her portrayal is layered, sensual, and often uncomfortable in the best possible way. You’re not watching a fantasy—you’re watching a woman learn to survive a brutal system by turning it against itself.
The film’s deliberate pacing and cerebral tone may not appeal to action junkies, you’ll find a lot to appreciate here. “Red Sparrow” also features strong supporting performances—particularly Joel Edgerton as the CIA operative who develops a complicated relationship with Dominika—and a clever final twist that rewards patient viewers. It’s violent, psychologically intense, and not always an easy watch, but it’s an underrated spy gem that’s worth a watch. Check out the video below or on YouTube.
