Red Rocket: Sean Baker’s slice of American life was an interesting watch populated by fascinating characters led by a surprisingly effective Simon Rex. However, at 128 minutes it was a tad too long with a middling late first act and repetitive second act, and the story was essentially too thin to hold the audience for that long. It did not help that after a while, Rex himself became rather one note - until the slightly rushed third act. The buzz around him was definitely worthy, but his chances for an Oscar Best Actor nod will surely be slim. The other (mostly) first-time actors that Baker found for the film were quite good but rather inconsistent which sometimes brings you out of the film.
Baker’s direction remained grounded and gritty which suited the rural Texan landscape the film was based in. However, the main story as written by Baker and Chris Bergoch was just slightly too icky especially as they just kept going on and on about it with nary any sort of moral reckoning. Although granted it suited Rex’s character but the girl in question - as played by Suzanna Son - deserved more depth and development to make the plot stronger and more convincing.
Regardless, Baker’s films have always been interesting and generated conversation and “Red Rocket” was no exception. It has a chance for a Best Picture nomination and maybe an Original Screenplay, but it’s greatest awards play will be at the Gothams or Spirits.
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