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One of the most formulaic genres in cinema, the sports biopic is like comfort food for moviegoers. No matter the athlete, viewers can usually count on being inspired, as well as being thrilled by a story of underdog who overcomes all challenges in order to come out on top. These are qualities that happen to be present in Christy, director David Michôd's film about the life and times of women's boxing pioneer Christy Salters. But while the average sports biopic tends to focus on its subject's professional achievements, it's Salters' personal struggles that make her story so compelling. The year is 1989, and in Itmann, West Virginia, 21-year-old Christy Salters (Sydney Sweeney) is something of an anomaly. A talented high school basketball player who only recently discovered her calling as a boxer, Christy has already begun fighting her fair share of battles, combating the stereotypes associated with being a female athlete as well as the stigma of being gay in a town that's extremely conservative. So, when she's given the opportunity to train with a renowned trainer named Jim Martin (Ben Foster), Christy sees it as her one chance to leave Itmann behind and realize her true potential. Moving to Daytona, Florida to box professionally, she seems to be on track for fulfilling her dreams — at least that's how it would appear publicly. What few people realize, though, is the suffering she has to endure in private. Manipulative and abusive, Jim insists on controlling every aspect of Christy's life, and would rather see her dead than watch her leave him. But even with all her strength and determination, will Christy be able to break free of the cycle of violence? And will she ever be able to truly be herself, instead of the superficial persona she and Jim have created to intimidate her opponents? Spanning some two decades, the result is more than just a sports underdog story. Also a harrowing tale of domestic abuse survival and a drama about sexual identity, Christy is a genre-defying movie that's as multifaceted as its subject. To no one's surprise, however, what will stick with viewers the most is Sweeney's fearless and transformative portrayal. And while it may be too soon to consider her a contender for best actress this awards season, it's a knockout performance that certainly deserves recognition. |
Christy screens under the Special Presentations programme at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. Its runtime is 2 hrs. 15 min.
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