<P> Red Sparrow is a 2018 American spy thriller film directed by Francis Lawrence and written by Justin Haythe, based on the 2013 novel of the same name by Jason Matthews . The film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Charlotte Rampling, Mary - Louise Parker, and Jeremy Irons . It tells the story of a Russian intelligence officer who is sent to make contact with a CIA agent in the hope of discovering the identity of a mole . </P> <P> Matthews, a former member of the CIA, advised the production on the depiction of spying . Based on historic Soviet sexpionage and contemporary Russian use of kompromat, filming took place in Hungary, Slovakia and Austria . Jennifer Lawrence studied with the New York City Ballet to prepare for her performance . </P> <P> Red Sparrow premiered at Newseum in Washington, D.C. on February 15, 2018, and was released in the United States on March 2, 2018 . The film grossed $150 million worldwide and received mixed reviews from critics, who describe it as having "more style than substance," and criticized the film's length and over-reliance on graphic violence and sex, while praising Jennifer Lawrence's performance . </P> <P> In modern - day Russia, Dominika Egorova is a famed Russian ballerina who supports her ill mother . Following a career - ending injury, Dominika is approached by her uncle, Ivan, who works in Russian intelligence . She is tasked with seducing Dimitry Ustinov, a Russian gangster, in exchange for her mother's continued medical care . As Ustinov rapes her, he is killed by Matorin, a Russian operative authorized by Ivan . Ivan offers Dominika a choice to begin working for Russian intelligence, or be executed so there are no witnesses . </P>

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