Red Sparrow Review: 5 Ups & 5 Downs

2. The Strong Supporting Cast

Though it doesn't always make the best of them, the movie's cast is nothing short of magnificent. Aside from Lawrence, the strongest performances are unquestionably by Matthias Schoenaerts (as Dominika's slimeball uncle) and Charlotte Rampling (as the takes-no-prisoners Matron of the Sparrow School).

Joel Edgerton tries hard to elevate his fairly so-so material, but he ultimately feels like a piece of the movie's furniture rather than a full-bodied character in his own right.

Elsewhere there are solid smaller roles for Joely Richardson (Dominika's ill mother) and Jeremy Irons (a Russian General), ensuring that the screen is always awash with top-tier talent, even if they're often clearly deserving of superior material to work with.