Red Sonja Movie Review

The new Red Sonja reboot has been through development hell for decades, so the fact that we even got a movie is a win in itself. If you go into this expecting a massive, polished blockbuster, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment, but if you’re ready for some unapologetic, B-movie sword-and-sorcery action that channels the spirit of the 80s fantasy flicks we grew up with, you’re in for a good time.

One of the biggest wins here is, without a doubt, Matilda Lutz as Sonja. She absolutely owns the role. She brings a modern, refreshing take to the She-Devil with a Sword, making her formidable and tough, but also giving her some necessary emotional depth. It’s a huge relief that the movie ditches the more exploitative elements from the character’s past and treats Sonja as a proper action hero. Lutz is convincing in the fight scenes and manages to make that iconic—if impractical—armor look like warrior gear. She’s got the chops to carry the whole film.

Speaking of carrying the film, the second, and arguably best, strength is Robert Sheehan as the villain, Dragan. The man is having fun. Sheehan saunters onto the screen and chews up every piece of scenery available to him. He delivers that perfect blend of menacing and maniacal that a fantasy antagonist needs, making him feel compelling rather than just a cardboard cutout to be defeated. His over-the-top, charismatic performance honestly elevates every scene he’s in.

The movie also deserves credit for its commitment to the action and throwback tone. The choreography in several of the gladiator-style battles is genuinely solid and gets the blood pumping. Sure, some of the CGI might look a little rough around the edges—which, frankly, just adds to the campy, vintage feel—but when the swords start clashing, the movie delivers on its promise of adventure. Plus, the supporting cast, including familiar faces like Rhona Mitra and Michael Bisping, are great additions to Sonja’s ragtag crew.