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The boxing drama Christy made headlines for all the wrong reasons. An independent film that happens to star popular and controversial (at least on social media) actress Sydney Sweeney, the movie “bombed” at the box office. Sweeney was blamed, of course, despite the fact that Christy was barely marketed and distributed by a little-known studio.
Taking away the financial and marketing misconceptions, Christy is a surprisingly captivating little drama that is by no means groundbreaking, but is still a worthwhile boxing biopic that lands more than a few punches.
Christy, which depicts the life of professional female boxer Christy Martin, presents nothing new in its first half, depicting her rise to fame and success despite a somewhat sketchy personal life. With some notable weight gain and the right makeup and costuming, Sweeney does a fine job disappearing into the role. Her performance may not be award-winning but it is a solid turn nonetheless, a great opportunity for Sweeney to flex her acting muscles.
Ben Foster also is quite good as Christy’s shady husband, manager, and coach.
Knowing nothing about the title character going in, the second half of Christy knocks up one of the most captivating and chilling sequences of the year. Without getting into details, the way David Michôd opts to let his camera linger on the open door as the situation goes from bad to worst is incredibly effective and a sign of confident filmmaking.
It is a shame the rest of the movie isn’t as powerful. Even still, Christy is a worthwhile watch if you like boxing dramas—I’ve said it before, but I have zero interest in the sport and yet love boxing movies, real-life or fictional—and whether you know her story or not, it’s a movie worth seeing.
Review by Erik Samdahl. Erik is a marketing and technology executive by day, avid movie lover by night. He is a member of the Seattle Film Critics Society.