directed by Sean Baker
Baker creates the grown folks movies that existed in the 1970s, patient character studies that neither judge nor excuse people. I could taste the sweet bakery donuts. I could feel the oppressive Texas gulf coast heat, smell the funk, and gag on the ubiquitous cigarette smoke. Red Rocket's cinematography grabbed my interest and never let go. This movie used 16mm film. It's gorgeous looking. I believe everything was shot on location.
The title could refer to evidence of a male dog's excitement. The title also invokes the hair color of a woman whom the protagonist thinks will change his life.
Baker examines an unsympathetic, manipulative, and unreliable protagonist/antihero. The protagonist can be affable but his friendliness is just a tool. Coincidentally or not, Baker set this film during the 2016 Presidential campaign, with plenty of Trump quotes.
The film's characters are hard off. Michael Davies aka Mikey Saber (Simon Rex) is a glib former adult film actor who has been away from his hometown of Texas City for over seventeen years. It's unimportant why Mikey has returned. Mikey's explanations are dubious and vary according to his audience.
Lacking a job, car, or any money, Mikey appears at his ex Lexi's (Bree Elrod) home, which she shares with her sickly mother Lil (the late Brenda Deiss). Estranged, Mikey and Lexi are still legally married. Lexi and Mikey grew up together and are both former adult film performers; Lexi left the business before Mikey did.
Lexi isn't happy to see Mikey. Nevertheless, Lexi, over Lil's disapproval, allows Mikey to stay and sleep on her couch in return for finding employment, helping with rent, and doing yardwork.
Lexi has needs so Mikey's boots are soon once again under her bed. Lil dislikes this development. Lil doesn't want Lexi to get hurt and return to escorting and its attendant dangers.
Mikey can't find work because former adult film stars aren't in high demand. Mikey resumes working for Leondria (Judy Hill) the local marijuana dealer, whom he's known since he was a child.
Leondria tolerates Mikey; her sons and especially daughter June (Brittany Rodriguez) are skeptical. Mikey's and Lexi's next door neighbor is Lonnie (Ethan Darbone). Lexi used to babysit Lonnie. Lonnie, no Mensa member, hero worships Mikey.
When Mikey takes Lexi and Lil to a donut shop to celebrate his newfound weed dealing "wealth", he's attracted to the cashier, seventeen year-old redhead Strawberry (Suzanne Son). Texas' age of consent is seventeen. Strawberry's father is gone. Her mother isn't seen.
Behind Lexi's back Mikey makes moves on Strawberry. Mikey is not in love or even (just) in lust. Mikey has plans. Mikey grooms Strawberry with a mixture of lies, exaggerations, and the rare kernel of truth. Strawberry is flattered by an older man's interest.
Strawberry isn't stupid; she sees thru some of Mikey's boasts. Still, Strawberry lacks experience and wisdom. Strawberry needs an older protective male relative to throw Mikey a good beating.
A con man, Mikey excels at telling people what they want to hear and gaslighting them if they show doubt. Mikey wants different things from Lexi, Lonnie, and Strawberry. Everyone has their own needs and dreams. That some must have their illusions shattered is the film's ticking time bomb.
Red Rocket has nudity. Too much of it is provided by Simon Rex. Rex had some adult film experience. Red Rocket rarely depicts physical violence. Red Rocket is concerned with emotional pain.
Some people, having been previously hurt or used, decide henceforth on a "Get them before they get you!" approach to the opposite sex. Lexi and Strawberry are at different stages of life's rollercoaster ride.
Mikey's insincerity, arrogance, and emptiness are red flags, but people need hope and affection. Pathetically, Mikey thinks his career taught him all about women when, Lexi aside, his partners were all paid performers.
Rex nailed this role. Rex and Son had great chemistry. Son is twenty-six but looks younger. Son is also a singer, pianist and music teacher. Son did a touching cover from a pop group. Elrod's character Lexi wants more from life but fears she won't get it. Her silences communicate much.
Red Rocket was an emotionally engaging movie but don't watch it expecting lecturing, hectoring, or moral catharsis. Depiction is not endorsement. Baker trusts his audience's intelligence. I enjoyed this film. It was the best I've seen this year. This compelling slice of life movie runs a little long at over two hours. The film has some kindness, happiness and humor. The film's trailer makes it look like a comedy. It is not.
