This is another film about which I knew nothing beforehand (I really am out of touch these days).  Sometimes, as in this case, that turns out to be an advantage, so the story can be told without any of my preconceived notions getting in the way.  Even part way through, as I wondered, I did not know if this story was based on fact or fiction, because I am not particularly interested in the Olympics.  Those who are must be thrilled that a movie about American boxer Claressa Shields has finally been made into a movie.

Rachel Morrison’s movie follows young Claressa Shields from her formative pre-teen years in Flint, Michigan, when she takes up boxing, through her young adult years, when she hopes to represent America at the Olympic Games.  The film focuses on Claressa’s (Ryan Destiny) relationship with her mentor, Jason Crutchfield (Brian Tyree Henry), the man who teaches her how to properly box, and keeps her safe in his home when her own home life explodes with drama and violence.  While not exactly slavish to actual events, the film demonstrates the immense drive and commitment necessary for Claressa to succeed, as well as the sacrifices she was forced to make in order to follow her dream.

Ryan Destiny is very good as Claressa but it is a rather one-dimensional performance; Claressa rarely shows any other side of herself than toughness and the ability to keep fighting back.  I was much more taken with the performance of Brian Tyree Henry’s performance as her tough-love mentor; he is absolutely terrific.  The film does a nice job of presenting the poverty of Flint, conveying how the area weighs everyone down, with little hope of prosperity.  That by itself makes Claressa’s success such a special, resounding triumph for the community, helping to raise everybody up just by association.

The film succeeds as a boxing spectacle, as a rags-to-riches story (except not really, as evidenced by Claressa’s inability to cash in to her stardom), as a domestic drama (note the way her father comes into the story and how the way he is perceived changes over time) and, mainly, as human drama, following someone who has a crazy dream and is determined to try to bring it to life, even when everyone around her doubts that she can do it.  Because this is about a woman succeeding in a man’s sport, it is even more powerful.  I did not know Claressa’s story, but I do now, and it is certainly one worth watching.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  12 January 2025.