Rachel Morrison, the first ever female nominee for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography, impresses in her touching and exciting directorial debut. The film focuses on Claressa Shields, the only American boxer to win a gold medal at the Olympics -- let alone at age 16!
Morrison’s energetic style and the soundtrack gives a Creed-like energy to the film, that portrays the city of Flint as the ultimate underdog and gives us characters we can really interact with and understand, even if we don’t always agree with them, such as Claressa’s parents. Ryan Destiny shines in her first major role, giving Clarissa a titular fire and rageful drive to win that makes her a character whose fascinating and lovable to watch. But what makes the film worth the price of admission is watching Brian Tyree Henry work his magic in an Oscar-worthy powerhouse of a performance. As Claressa’s coach Jason, Henry not only extends an enduring tough love that anchors the film, but makes the audience fall in love with the character and wish for him to be our coach and grounding force. Henry’s one-of-a-kind humanity and charm makes Jason lovable and riveting, and we as an audience deeply care for him and understand his decisions even when Claressa might not. In the most subtle and outward moments of acting, we feel lucky to be in this space with the film to witness Henry give such a brilliant performance.
As for the film as a whole, there are many familiar beats to other sports and boxing films that it touches on, but it never loses its heart and engagement and even subverts the typical uplifting sports film structure to show that its true soul was in this coach-student relationship that feels like so much more to us. It’s not going to rank among the greatest boxing pictures, but surely is worth a watch for a feel-good story.
3.5/5
Review by: Gal Balaban