Today, A24 released a new trailer for their film Red Rocket, the newest project from Sean Baker. The film, which premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, follows the exploits of a washed-up pornstar named Mikey Saber. Red Rocket will be Sean Baker’s second time partnering with A24, who distributed his previous movie The Florida Project.
The Red Rocket Trailer Promises an Audacious Turn for Baker
The Red Rocket trailer depicts Mikey Saber returning to his hometown of Texas City, Texas. While there, he butts heads with his estranged wife. “Before long, it’ll be like we’re still married,” Mikey says with excitement. His wife rolls her eyes and responds, “We are still married.” Claiming to be a new man, the trailer shows Mikey getting into fights, evading cops, and alienating those around him. Co-writers Chris Bergoch and Sean Baker, who also wrote Tangerine and The Florida Project together, seem to be going for a more comedic angle this time around.
A24’s Red Rocket is a Beast of its Own
Like Sean Baker’s previous A24 film, the Red Rocket trailer indicates that the film will be a character study. In addition, it will give its main actor, Simon Rex, ample room to show his acting chops. Rex, who is primarily known for his transition from gay porn into the Scary Movie franchise, gives a spirited performance in the Red Rocket trailer, showcasing a charming affability and bombastic physicality. The film appears to shares similarities to The Florid Project, both in its cinematography choices and usage of non-actors. However, early reviews indicate that A24’s Red Rocket is a beast of its own.
Reviews are Positive
A review from David Ehrlich of Indiewire states that “Baker isn’t beating a similar retreat. While “Red Rocket” continues the “Tangerine” and “The Florida Project” filmmaker’s hot streak of unpatronizing, street-level stories about sex work in the survival economy, the movie immediately establishes a new visual approach to that familiar terrain.” The critical consensus so far matches Erlich’s enthusiasm, coming in at 94% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Red Rocket trailer ends with an announcement that the film will come to theaters on December 3.