Oscar-nominated cinematographer Rachel Morrison delivers a crowd-pleasing biopic for her feature directorial debut in “The Fire Inside,” produced by MGM Pictures. Academy Award winner Barry Jenkins pens the film’s script, which tells the life story of one of the greatest female boxers ever. Claressa “T-Rex” Shields (Ryan Destiny).
The film begins in 2006 with a young Claressa (Jazmin Headley) almost getting laughed out of the gym by the boys. However, possessing the heart of a lion, Claressa quickly catches the eye of former boxer turned coach Jason Crutchfield (Brian Tyree Henry) when she bests one of his boy boxers. “The Fire Inside” then takes us to Claressa’s junior year in high school, pushing past countless limitations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing.
However, Claressa soon learns that even at the pinnacle of success, she must reckon that not all dreams are created equal, and the real fight has only just begun. The film’s supporting cast includes Olunike Adeliyi as Jackie, Claressa’s somewhat unreliable mother, De’Adre Aziza as Mickey, Jason’s wife, and Sarah Allen as Nicole, a marketing rep.
From the beginning, Morrison’s meticulous attention to detail draws viewers into the harsh realities of Flint, Michigan. Rina Yang’s vibrant cinematography captures both the physical and emotional aspects of Claressa Shields’ boxing journey, with every punch reflecting her outside struggles and the high cost of success. While Barry Jenkins’ screenplay doesn’t go as deep as his previous work, his writing is sharp and relatable, infused with personal experience.
Ryan Destiny delivers a star-making performance (pun intended) like Shields. Destiny gives Claressa the right amount of heart and arrogance to allow the audience to root for her while validating hope and tenacity, representing countless women who fight against the odds to carve out their destinies. The always-reliable Brian Tyree Henry delivers a powerful performance as Shields’ coach, blending fatherly wisdom and mentorship.
Morrison’s direction shines in the film’s quieter moments, revealing the complexities of success and the characters’ inner conflicts. As Shields grapples with the reality that dreams can differ, viewers are invited to reflect on their aspirations. I also enjoyed the swift editing by Harry Yoon and the pulsating score by Tamar-Kali, which gave the film emotional depth while building tension. The attention to production design and costumes creates a vivid and immersive world.
“The Fire Inside” does fall into the biopic genre, but Destiny and Henry deliver A1 performances, and the film earns all of its applauses.
Final Grade: B+
“The Fire Inside” opens in theaters on Christmas Day.
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