The Fire Inside Film Review: A Gritty Boxing Drama That Redefines the Sports Biopic Genre

This review was initially published on September 11, 2024, as part of our coverage of the Toronto International Film Festival.

The Fire Inside: A New Benchmark for Sports Biopics

With a successful career as a cinematographer, Rachel Morrison, who received acclaim for her work in Mudbound, makes her directorial debut in The Fire Inside. This film not only showcases her directorial skills but also emphasizes the significance of Flint, Michigan—often overlooked, yet portrayed as a source of strength and resilience.

Realism and Inspiration Blend Seamlessly

Claressa looks fierce in boxing gear in The Fire Inside

The Fire Inside is remarkable for its raw honesty. Although Claressa, portrayed compellingly by Ryan Destiny, claims her first Olympic medal, the film dives deeper into the aftermath of her victory. It’s not a story filled with pure elation; instead, it highlights the financial struggles facing her family and the challenges her coach, Jason Crutchfield (Brian Tyree Henry), encounters in securing sponsorships for her. Unfortunately, the shadow of racism and sexism looms large, as corporate sponsors hesitate to align with Claressa, fearing financial losses. This portrayal offers a poignant contrast to the triumphant moment of winning.

The narrative surrounding Claressa is rich and multifaceted, portraying her not just as an athlete but as a relatable young woman facing real-life challenges. The film diverges from the typical hero-worship seen in biopics by revealing Claressa’s imperfections—her self-criticisms and teenage struggles make her journey all the more relatable and compelling. Instead of simply celebrating her accolades, The Fire Inside lends depth to her character, urging viewers to empathize with her vulnerabilities.

With a narrative that effectively illustrates life in Flint, The Fire Inside transcends standard sports dramas, bravely showcasing the gritty realities alongside moments of inspiration.

A Heartwarming Bond: Claressa and Jason

Brian Tyree Henry and Ryan Destiny: An Unforgettable Dynamic

While the entire city of Flint rallies behind Claressa, the film primarily highlights the touching relationship between her and Jason. Destiny, in her feature film debut, skillfully embodies Claressa’s emotional breadth—from moments of anger to heartbreak, and joy to frustration. Her refusal to conform or compromise her values resonates deeply, depicted with a fierce authenticity that captures the essence of her character.

Jason’s role extends beyond that of a mere coach; he becomes a guardian figure after Claressa faces personal upheaval at home. The chemistry between Henry and Destiny is palpable, as Henry delivers a performance that masterfully balances assertiveness and tenderness. His character serves both as a motivator and father figure, instilling belief in Claressa’s potential while maintaining a firm yet nurturing presence. Together, they form the film’s emotional core.

Watch the Trailer

The Fire Inside successfully weaves together an emotional and inspiring narrative within its nearly two-hour runtime, revealing the complexities of living in Flint while delivering a human-centric biopic. Morrison and Jenkins strike a perfect balance, ensuring that viewers leave not just entertained but deeply moved. This is a boxing drama that goes beyond the ring, inviting audiences to engage with the realities and truths of its characters.

The Fire Inside premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and is currently showing in theaters. The film runs for 109 minutes and has received a PG-13 rating for some strong language, thematic elements, and brief suggestive material.

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