☛ Cette critique est aussi disponible en français [➦].

Translated by Gabrielle Baillargeon-Michaud. 

Sean Baker is an American director and screenwriter who is celebrated for his independent films, including The Florida Project (2017) and Tangerine (2015). These films spotlight characters from marginalized communities within modern American society. Characterized by humor and a profound sense of realism and humanity, Baker's works eschew the conventional artifices typical of mainstream Hollywood cinema. His narrative techniques are distinct, introducing viewers to the protagonists mid-story without prior context or a conventionally “satisfying” conclusion.

Red Rocket is a dramedy that tracks the misfortunes of Mikey Saber, who returns to his Texas hometown after his career as a porn actor flounders. Feeling adrift, he pleads with his ex-wife and mother to allow him to stay with them. Shortly after, a young donut shop worker named Strawberry captures his attention. He spares no effort in his attempts to woo her, initiating a romantic relationship in which Mikey endeavors to persuade her to pursue a career in pornography.

Although one could argue that the relationship between Mikey and Strawberry is entirely legal in Texas—a detail frequently mentioned by both the film's protagonist and Baker himself in interviews—it's essential to be straightforward: Red Rocket does not explore the highs and lows of a romantic relationship. Instead, it's the story of a groomer¹ and toxic narcissist who sees a 17-year-old girl as a way to boost his ego and save his career as a porn actor. Fully aware that he is teetering on the edge of what is acceptable, one might question Baker's narrative choices in this work. After all, isn't the entertainment world already awash with stories that sexualize young girls and romanticize toxic relationships? What's more, Baker emphasized in an interview that it was important to him that Strawberry's character have agency. However, the unrealistic portrayal of the 17-year-old's sexuality fails to reflect the agency the director aimed for, rather reinforcing her objectification.

Ironically, in the interview, Baker mentions that with Red Rocket, he aimed to humanize sex workers and explore the archetype of the “suitcase pimp²,” a phenomenon he found intriguing. Mikey's toxic behaviors are rationalized and excused by claiming that he is merely the unfortunate outcome of the current socio-economic context in America. But isn't he in actuality the infuriating product of patriarchy and the underlying misogyny pervasive in both American society and its cinematic representation?

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¹ The Cambridge Dictionary defines the term grooming as “the criminal activity of becoming friends with a child in order to try to persuade the child to have a sexual relationship.”

² The term suitcase pimp refers to men who manage the personal and professional affairs of a sex worker, typically in the pornography industry. These individuals act as both the career managers and romantic partners of the sex workers, living off the income generated from their work.

Reference:

Director/Creator: Sean Baker (A24)
Title: Red Rocket
Release date: 2021

Available on Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, and YouTube.