Tells the story of Christy Martin, the most successful female boxer of the 90s.
Chuck says:
More a survivor’s tale than a standard biopic, David Michod’s “Christy” examines the life of female champion boxer Christy Martin, a trailblazer in the male dominated arena who brought a sense of dynamism to the burgeoning sport. However, her accomplishments in the square circle are not the film’s focus. Having suffered horrific abuse at the hands of her husband, as well as a murder attempt, Mirrah Foulkes and Michod’s script emphasize these events as well as Martin’s ultimate escape from this situation.
Growing up in rural West Virginia in the late 1980’s, Christy (Sydney Sweeney) had few opportunities for advancement. Realizing she has little in common with her peers, she feels ostracized by her parents as well due to her relationship with fellow high schooler, Rosie (Jess Gabor). However, she does excel at sports and on a whim enters a local “Tough Woman” competition. She wins handily and impresses its promotor, so much so, he introduces her to veteran trainer Jim Martin (Ben Foster).
This opportunity proves to be a double-edged sword. Initially, Jim wants nothing to do with her; that is until he sees her in the ring. Recognizing some raw potential in the young woman, he takes her under his wing, entering her in bouts at any dive, fair or tournament he can find. After dominating her opponents for four years, Christy comes to the attention of promoter Don King (Chad L. Coleman), who begins booking her on the undercard of Mike Tyson fights. This would lead her to winning the female super welterweight title and being the first woman boxer on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
As compelling as this is, her relationship with Jim provides the film’s dramatic heft. Marrying Christy simply to exert more control over her, he would go on to abuse her physically and emotionally, gaslighting her and eventually getting her hooked on cocaine. This would come to a head after she retired from the ring, Jim stabbing her repeatedly and shooting her after Christy informed him she was leaving him.
Viewers should be warned that Michod pulls no punches in his depiction of the violence Christy endured, and for good reason. Sugarcoating any of this would do a disservice to his subject and not cast Jim in the properly horrific light.
As for Sweeney, she’s very good here. Her bombshell persona does her no favors where being taken seriously as an actress is concerned and it will take a while for many to realize what a dynamic performer she is. The best thing in this year’s “Echo Valley” and “Eden,” she continues to impress, barely recognizable at times under the 30 pounds she gained and the less-than complimentary wig she dons. Her carefully crafted image disappears, the actress bringing to life the raw, naïve nature of her character. Awards chatter regarding her work is well-deserved, and hopefully Foster will be able to ride on her coattails. Perhaps the most overlooked actor in American film today, he creates another memorable member in the menagerie of disparate characters he’s played over the years, a truly frightening, sickening man.
If “Christy” has a fault, it’s that it wraps up too soon. Though running over two hours, we’re still left wanting to see more of this remarkable woman’s resurrection. How she has become an advocate for abused women and the steps she’s taken to provide avenues of escape for them is equally compelling and needs to be trumpeted as well. Be that as it may, “Christy” still proves inspirational, a portrait of a woman who continues to inspire with her continued victories outside the ring.
3 1/2 Stars
