The new Red Sonja movie, directed by M.J. Bassett and starring Matilda Lutz in the title role, stands as an earnest, low-budget effort to revitalize the sword-and-sorcery genre. It intentionally leans into the campy, energetic spirit of classic 1980s fantasy flicks, like the original 1985 film, offering a self-aware and unpretentious adventure.
The film follows Sonja after the destruction of her peaceful Hyrkanian village. Her journey takes a dark turn when she is captured by the ruthless Emperor Draygan, played with great relish by Robert Sheehan. Forced into a life as a gladiator, Sonja must rally a diverse group of outcasts to lead a revolt against the tyrant and his empire.
The film’s greatest strength is undoubtedly Matilda Lutz as Red Sonja. Both critics and fans have praised her performance, highlighting her natural athleticism, charisma, and fierce conviction. Lutz skillfully embodies both the character’s gentle, protective nature and the savage warrior spirit required of the legendary “She-Devil with a Sword.” Adding complexity to the narrative is Robert Sheehan as Emperor Draygan. His portrayal is frequently cited as a highlight, presenting a chew-the-scenery villain who is more than just a simple sorcerer, being twisted and strangely intellectual in his obsession with knowledge.
The production is at its best when it wholeheartedly embraces its B-movie charm. Many viewers have noted that if expectations are appropriately managed, the film is an entertaining and satisfying experience that captures a palpable nostalgia for old-school sword and sorcery films. While the budget is clearly limited, the fight choreography is generally solid, with the gladiatorial arena scenes and a later, memorable fight with a Cyclops standing out as highlights.
However, the film’s low budget leads to its most consistent criticism: the visual effects. The CGI is often “ropey,” “glaring,” and dated, frequently making creatures and some background effects look cheap, unfortunately pulling the viewer out of the high-fantasy world. Beyond the visual limitations, the narrative is not flawless. The overall story is a bit generic, suffering from slow pacing in the beginning, and the script itself is clunky with moments of awkward, faux-medieval dialogue. Additionally, some of the most important fights between named characters are hampered by overly aggressive and confusing editing, making the action difficult to follow. While it strives for epic scope, the low production value means it falls short of being a high-budget fantasy, instead feeling more like a grander, extended episode of a classic television show like Xena: Warrior Princess or Hercules, which in-itself is not really a bad thing.
Red Sonja (2025) should be approached as a charming, scrappy, and enjoyable throwback. It delivers a cohesive and entertaining fantasy adventure, anchored by a genuinely great performance from Matilda Lutz. Fans of the character and those who appreciate unpretentious, pulp-rooted fantasy films will likely enjoy it. Those expecting a polished, modern, Lord of the Rings-level production will likely be disappointed by the visual limitations.
