Red Rocket

Movie Trailer

Release Date
December 10, 2021

Genre
Comedy, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Simon Rex as Mikey Saber
• Bree Elrod as Lexi
• Suzanna Son as Strawberry
• Brenda Deiss as Lil
• Ethan Darbone as Lonnie
• Brittney Rodriguez as June
• Judy Hill as Leondria

Director
Sean Baker

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Florida Project (2017)
• Tangerine (2015)
• Starlet (2012)

Producer

• Sean Baker
• Alex Coco
• Samantha Quan
• Shih-Ching Tsou
• Alex Saks

Writer

• Sean Baker
• Chris Bergoch

Budget
$1.1 million

Production Company

• FilmNation Entertainment
• Caviar
• Cre Film
• A24

Running Time
130 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong sexual content
• Drug use
• Language throughout
• Nudity
• Mature themes

Movie Story
Red Rocket is a darkly comedic drama that centers on Mikey Saber (Simon Rex), a washed-up adult film star who returns to his small hometown in Texas after his career in Los Angeles falls apart. With no money, no job, and no prospects, Mikey crashes at the home of his estranged wife, Lexi (Bree Elrod), and her mother, Lil (Brenda Deiss), despite their initial reluctance.

Mikey is a fast-talking hustler who believes he can charm his way back into the lives of those he left behind. He begins to reconnect with his past, but it quickly becomes clear that he is just as manipulative and self-serving as ever. As he tries to rebuild his life, Mikey sets his sights on a new opportunity when he meets a 17-year-old girl named Strawberry (Suzanna Son), who works at a local donut shop. He becomes infatuated with her and sees her as his ticket back into the adult film industry, believing she could be the next big star.

The film explores themes of exploitation, desperation, and the American dream gone awry, with Mikey’s relentless pursuit of success serving as a commentary on the darker side of ambition. Red Rocket captures the bleak reality of small-town life, juxtaposed with Mikey’s delusional optimism and his morally questionable behavior.

The story is a character study of a deeply flawed man who is unable—or unwilling—to change, despite the damage he leaves in his wake. Mikey’s interactions with those around him reveal the complexity of his character: charming yet despicable, magnetic yet repulsive. As the film progresses, the tension builds towards an inevitable confrontation between Mikey and the consequences of his actions.

Special Effects
Red Rocket relies on a naturalistic style of filmmaking rather than heavy special effects. Sean Baker’s direction focuses on capturing the raw, unfiltered reality of Mikey’s world, using handheld cameras and on-location shooting to create an intimate and immersive experience. The film’s visual style is gritty and grounded, with an emphasis on the bleakness of the surroundings and the authenticity of the characters’ lives.

Box Office Performance
Red Rocket had a limited theatrical release, grossing approximately $2 million worldwide. Despite its modest box office performance, the film received critical acclaim for its sharp writing, strong performances, and Sean Baker’s unique directorial vision. Simon Rex’s portrayal of Mikey Saber was particularly praised, earning him several awards and nominations. The film was distributed by A24, known for its support of independent and boundary-pushing cinema.

Filming Locations

• Texas City, Texas, USA

Notable Quotes

• “I’m gonna be straight with you. I’m an adult film actor.” – Mikey Saber
• “When you’re young, life is full of possibilities.” – Strawberry
• “I’m the one who knocks. I’m the one who opens doors.” – Mikey Saber

Behind-the-Scenes
Sean Baker is known for his ability to tell stories about marginalized communities with sensitivity and authenticity, and Red Rocket is no exception. The film was shot during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a small cast and crew, and Baker’s guerrilla filmmaking approach allowed for a quick and efficient production. Simon Rex, who had a background in adult entertainment and MTV hosting, was cast as Mikey after a chance meeting with Baker, and his performance was widely praised for its vulnerability and rawness.

The film’s portrayal of the seedy underbelly of the American dream was both humorous and tragic, with Baker using his signature blend of drama and comedy to explore complex themes. The casting of real people from the local community, alongside professional actors, added to the film’s authenticity and grounded the story in a sense of place.

Awards

• Independent Spirit Award: Nominated for Best Male Lead (Simon Rex)
• Gotham Independent Film Award: Won for Best Actor (Simon Rex)
• Critics’ Choice Movie Award: Nominated for Best Actor (Simon Rex)

Final Verdict
Red Rocket is a bold and unflinching exploration of a man’s desperate attempts to reclaim his past glory, set against the backdrop of small-town America. Sean Baker’s direction, combined with Simon Rex’s outstanding performance, makes this a compelling and thought-provoking film. While it may not be for everyone due to its explicit content and morally ambiguous protagonist, Red Rocket offers a unique and darkly comedic take on the pursuit of the American dream, making it a standout film in 2021.

IMDb Rating
7.1/10