Christy (2025) - Film Review

      Christy, 2025.

      Directed by David Michôd.

      Featuring Sydney Sweeney, Ben Foster, Katy O’Brian, Merritt Wever, Ethan Embry, Chad L. Coleman, Tony Cavalero, Jess Gabor, Valyn Hall, Cole Pedigo, Bryan Hibbard, and Marvin LaViolette.

      SYNOPSIS

      Hailing from West Virginia, Christy (Sweeney), nicknamed "Coal Miner’s Daughter" after her father’s job, was a sports standout who earned a college basketball scholarship. In the late 1980s, she started competing in and winning “Toughwoman” contests before training with boxing coach Jim Martin (Foster), which led her to a successful career in a burgeoning sport.

      The biopic of female boxer Christy Salters could have simply highlighted her achievements in the boxing world, but director David Michôd goes deeper in Christy, with Sydney Sweeney portraying the pioneering boxer in a transformative role. The film explores both her boxing journey and the toxic relationship with her trainer-turned-husband Jim Martin, which nearly cost her life. Michôd’s direction and Sweeney’s performance shine throughout this gripping film, drawing the audience into her struggles.

      Christy charts the rise of the title boxer from amateur fighter to the most successful female boxer of the 1990s, helping to legitimize women's boxing alongside men's. However, Christy, who was a closeted lesbian at that time, found herself trapped in a physically and psychologically abusive relationship with her trainer and manager, Jim Martin.

      Sweeney's performance as Christy is powerful, capturing the complexity of her confidence, doubt, fear, and inner strength. In addition to portraying the emotional depth of Christy's narrative, Sweeney adeptly handles the physically demanding aspects of the role, showcasing her agility in the ring and personality against her opponents. This character differs significantly from Sweeney’s previous roles in Euphoria or Anyone But You, highlighting her versatility.

      The on-screen chemistry between Sweeney and Ben Foster is also noteworthy, with Foster delivering a chilling portrayal of Jim, Christy’s trainer and husband. Although warning signs are evident from the start, they become increasingly pronounced, with Foster expertly depicting the manipulative abuse inflicted on Christy and her family, culminating in a shocking climax that exposes his character's coldness.

      The supporting cast is impressive as well, particularly Merritt Wever as Christy’s devout mother and Katy O’Brian as Christy’s boxing rival, Lisa Holewyne. The nuanced chemistry between Sweeney and O’Brian effectively conveys unspoken emotions, with O’Brian's body language revealing her true feelings during their interactions. Jess Gabor also appears as a past love interest of Christy, sharing an implied intimacy with Sweeney that’s subtly portrayed. Chad L. Coleman shines as the notorious fight promoter Don King, balancing humor with his authoritative presence.

      Michôd skillfully controls the story's pacing while emphasizing Christy’s emotional vulnerability. The boxing sequences are well-choreographed, shot, and edited, effectively showcasing Christy’s toughness and the intensity of the ring. Some disturbing elements of Christy and Jim’s relationship are left to the audience’s imagination, utilizing implications through certain scenes and sounds to create tension instead of directly portraying violence.

      Christy features outstanding performances from Sweeney, Foster, and the ensemble cast, illustrating the impact of Christy’s marriage alongside her boxing achievements. Michôd’s direction captures both the strength of Christy’s character and the pain she endured, supported by well-executed visuals and choreography.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Christy will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and is set for theatrical release on November 7th.

      Ricky Church – Follow me on Bluesky for more movie news and discussions.