Prepare for an awards season full of boxing metaphors: knockout performances, competitors getting into the ring, and none of it being over until that final bell. Are you ready to ruuumbbllleeee, film fans? One film assured to shoulder the bulk of those buzzwords: David Michôd‘s “Christy,” the true-life tale of trailblazing boxer Christy Martin, as played by Sydney Sweeney.
Sweeney has been teasing the film for months, telling IndieWire earlier this year, “Christy will forever be one of the most inspiring in my life. She has faced such tremendous challenges inside and outside the ring, and her story inspired me beyond anything, and I cannot wait for other people to be inspired by her. She’s just one of the most strong women I’ve ever met.”
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She’s not kidding. Sweeney, who threw herself so fully into the demanding role that her co-star Katy O’Brien recently shared that she didn’t even care if she broke her nose while filming, thrilled audiences when the film premiered at TIFF last week. As this critic noted, “Sweeney disappears into the role, not just changing her hair color, eye color, accent, and way of moving, but her general air, her overall mien, the space she takes up in a room.” It’s a truly transformative role for her, and the actress “is so credible in the role that the film seems made for big ovations at its conclusion.”
One thing that might surprise people? How grim Michôd’s film (which he also wrote with his partner Mirrah Foulkes) gets. Martin’s life was fraught, and “Christy” doesn’t shy away from that at all. The result is a biopic far less interested in celebrating athletic wins and more compelled by the triumph of the human spirit over horrific circumstances. (Plus: solid performances from a raft of co-stars, including Ben Foster, Merritt Wever, and Ethan Embry.)
Just take a look at the film’s official synopsis, which hints at all the trouble to come: “Christy Martin (Sydney Sweeney) never imagined life beyond her small-town roots in West Virginia — until she discovered a knack for punching people. Fueled by grit, raw determination, and an unshakable desire to win, she charges into the world of boxing under the guidance of her trainer and manager-turned-husband, Jim (Ben Foster). But while Christy flaunts a fiery persona in the ring, her toughest battles unfold outside it — confronting family, identity, and a relationship that just might become life-or-death. Based on remarkable true events, Christy Martin’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the fight to reclaim one’s life.”
Black Bear will release “Christy” in theaters on Friday, November 7. Check out the film’s first trailer below.
