When Loyalty Demands Blood

What if a sci-fi action film tried to blend futuristic warfare with political intrigue, but ended up feeling more like a missed opportunity? The Red Sparrow (2022), directed by Ji Zhizhong, is a Chinese action-sci-fi film that attempted to deliver a high-concept thriller but fell short of its ambitions. Released in March 2022, the film is not to be confused with the 2018 Hollywood spy thriller of the same name.

The Plot: A Futuristic War Story

The 2022 Red Sparrow follows a group of soldiers or operatives (details are scarce, as the film has not gained widespread recognition) in a futuristic or alternate-reality setting. The story appears to involve political conspiracies, advanced technology, and high-stakes battles, but the execution left many viewers confused and underwhelmed. The plot is described as overly ambitious, convoluted, and difficult to follow, with weak character development and unconvincing CGI that detract from the experience.

**Why The Red Sparrow (2022) Struggles**

Overambitious, Underdeveloped – The film tries to tackle complex themes—war, technology, and espionage—but lacks the clarity and depth to pull it off. The result is a messy narrative that feels more like a rough draft than a polished movie.
Weak Execution – The acting, direction, and special effects are all criticized as subpar. The film’s low budget is evident in its unconvincing action sequences and CGI, which fail to immerse the audience in its futuristic world.

Bottom Line

The Red Sparrow (2022) is a forgettable, poorly executed sci-fi action film that fails to live up to its ambitious premise. If you’re looking for a thrilling, well-crafted spy story, the 2018 Red Sparrow (with Jennifer Lawrence) is the far superior choice. This 2022 version is best skipped unless you’re a die-hard fan of obscure, low-budget sci-fi experiments.

So, if you’re craving espionage and intrigue, stick with the original—this Red Sparrow won’t take flight.