Are you ready for the next film by Sean Baker and the bright beautiful colours it sports? Baker has made such a splash with his first two films, presenting a life that many do not see. His ground-level perspective coming from areas that are unrepresented in media is intriguing and engrossing. The human experience that he can capture is moving and genuine.
But Where Does Baker Take Audiences in Red Rocket?
The film opens on a bus driving into Texas City (a city with smokestacks and impoverished neighbourhoods everywhere). This is the story of Mikey, an award-winning porn star, who now is down on his luck and returns home to his estranged wife to live with her and her mom. But what does Mikey have planned to get back on his feet? He sells drugs to blue-collar workers, starts a budding romance with an almost 18-year-old, and hopes to bounce back in the porn industry. Huh…what a story!
From a Filmmaking Perspective, How Does Baker Make This Saucy Story Come to Life?
As a child of the ’90s, the heavy use of “Bye Bye Bye” by NSYNC struck a chord with me.
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Whether it was setting up the films, being sung by Mikey’s young love Strawberry for a beautiful moment, or making one of the funniest scenes in film this year, the music choices were on point. Speaking of the funniest scene of the year…a proper mix of slick editing, the camera zooms, and star Simon Rex bearing it all was pitch-perfect cinema. Baker’s general framing and camera work with cinematographer Drew Daniels makes this a beautiful and well-crafted experience. The striking colours make the film pop at every turn. Baker also doesn’t pull punches when it comes to the sex content of the film (which bears it all throughout the film).
But How Does This Redemption Story (I guess?) Play Out?
This film plays out like a well-crafted morality tale. Mikey starts the film seemingly at the bottom of his life as he crawls back to his hometown. But things start going well for Mikey. He makes money selling drugs, has a sexy and passionate relationship with an attractive young woman, and his harmful actions disappear due to others taking the fall. The issue? Mikey doesn’t grow for most of the film. He is overly confident and delusional that he can keep his screams going. But the third act takes an impressive shift with Mikey being forced to face his actions (with plenty of laughs and poignant emotion). I was hooked on the edge of my seat as this trainwreck kept moving on. By the end, Baker nails the finale with a bold and thought-provoking shot that will keep you guessing.
But What Will Everyone Be Talking About by The End of This Film?
Rex. This is a career performance for this Scary Movie franchise alum. He is surprisingly endearing as a con man who wants to take advantage of everyone around him. Rex pours out confidence and charisma and he is just a joy to watch out on screen (despite being so despicable). There is subtle and deep emotion in the performance as well which makes this one of the best of the year. Suzanna Son is a wonderful standout in this film as the young and charming Strawberry. She is sweet and charming as she flirts with Rex. Their chemistry is off the charts (which makes their relationship even more uncomfortable). The audience roots for her to wise up and see-through Mikey’s deceit.
Why Should You Check Out This Provocative Gem?
Baker infuses this film with plenty of humour and pathos. There are heavier moments that hit emotionally while transitioning back to the wonderfully sharp humour. Rex gives one of the best performances of the year and is worth seeing. Is this one for everyone? The sexual content and consistent nudity might push people away but if you can handle it, Baker provides one of the best cinematic experiences of the year.
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