Red Rocket Review: Sean Baker Delivers Another Colorful, Sunbathed Comedy Movie for A24

   January 5, 2022
Simon Rex and Suzanna Son in Red Rocket (2021), directed by Sean Baker
Simon Rex and Suzanna Son in Red Rocket (2021), directed by Sean Baker

Red Rocket marks a powerful return for Sean Baker, offering a sharp critique of American reality against the backdrop of a neon-lit South. The film is equal parts hilarious, heartbreaking, and brutally honest in a way only Baker can deliver. Simon Rex and Suzanna Son co-star.

Many of the great works in modern film history explore the comedown—the moment when a charismatic character faces the consequences of a life full of poor choices. Henry Hill ends up in witness protection after betraying the mob, Mark Zuckerberg loses his friends and embraces greed and isolation, and The Godfather II centers on the fall of Michael Corleone.

Sean Baker (Tangerine, The Florida Project, Anora) isn’t focused on the fall from grace—he’s more interested in the rebound, the potential climb back to stardom. That’s the premise of Red Rocket, where Mikey Saber (Simon Rex) attempts a return to the adult film industry after being rejected in L.A. and forced to move back in with his estranged wife in Texas City, Texas. His efforts to reinsert himself into her life are strained, but things take an even more complicated turn when he meets a young woman named Strawberry (Suzanna Son), whom he believes could help him reclaim his place in the industry he desperately wants to conquer again.

The concept of exploring the rebound to stardom is becoming more common in mainstream filmmaking. It’s surprising, then, that Licorice Pizza is getting as much attention as it is while Red Rocket is also in theaters. Just earlier this month, I finally watched Zola, which offers its own shocking content. Independent directors are taking more risks with their ideas, and Sean Baker has perhaps released his boldest effort yet with Red Rocket.

Red Rocket will definitely alienate some viewers early on. It carries the same crudeness seen in Sean Baker’s previous films, as it delves into the complexities of small-town America. Though the political context isn’t directly addressed by the characters, Baker cleverly anchors the film in the country’s election turmoil of 2016. What I admire about Baker is his ability to set his films in the Southern, arid parts of the country without falling into typical western tropes. His movies are vibrant and full of life—whether it’s the bright set design in The Florida Project or the stunning burnt-orange sunsets in Red Rocket. This is a stylistic choice that few directors execute as well as he does.

Simon Rex (The Sweet East, Blink Twice) delivers a career-defining performance as Mikey Saber. He portrays a man trying to hold his life together as it unravels around him. The role is erratic, mirroring the chaotic nature of the film itself. Mikey’s life is far from put-together—he’s jobless, estranged from his wife, and developing an interest in someone barely old enough for the adult industry. It’s a standout performance that deserves recognition by the Academy, though, knowing the Academy, it likely won’t be.

The challenges for viewers will come from the subject matter. Some might walk out within the first ten minutes, while others may be shocked but impressed as they leave the theater. I fall into the latter category. Red Rocket is entertaining, hilarious, and brilliantly crafted by a director who continues to push boundaries and create fresh, innovative art.

Score: 8/10

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