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Most boxing films tell the story of men or women who found a way to assert themselves in the ring.

Published on November 7

The real one of Christy Martin (Sydney Sweeney, seen in Anyone But You, Immaculate, Americana) is no different. The particularity is that her biggest oppressors were her parents and then her trainer who became her husband.

From the outset, the film by David Michôd (The King, The Rover, Animal Kingdom) establishes that the parents of young Christy Salters refuse to allow her to have a romantic relationship with her classmate Rosie (Jess Gabor). The protagonist's sexual orientation is not discussed further until the end. Certainly, it is not essential to emphasize this aspect of the character, but the way in which it is revealed is somewhat flashy.

Stuck in a small town in West Virginia, Christy enters an amateur boxing competition in hopes of making some money and making her loved ones proud. Her natural talent was immediately noticed and the young woman began a professional career. To refine her technique, she is referred to Jim Martin (Ben Foster, loathsome), a trainer with limited skills.

This initially has no interest in the athlete's potential, because in the early 1990s, women's boxing was only a sideline entertainment. By defeating his opponents, Christy propelled his sport into the large amphitheaters. Sniffing a bargain, Jim marries the pugilist, thus exercising complete control over her person.

As the victories keep coming and the boxer's popularity explodes, her marriage becomes unbearable. If the first half of the film is only a succession of short scenes which move the story forward with a certain detachment, the second details the cycle of violence of which Christy is prisoner.

This gives Sydney Sweeney the opportunity to play a wide range of emotions, from distress to resilience to deep isolation. The popular American actress hasn't had the chance to shine as much since the series Euphoria.

Ben Foster (Hell or High Water, Leave No Trace) is very convincing as a possessive and profiteering man. His smug air and way of speaking are reminiscent of a certain president... In a secondary role, that of the boxer Lisa Holewyne, Katy O'Brian (Love Lies Bleeding) displays natural charisma.

Despite inspired performances and a scenario as glorious as it is tragic, Christy barely manages to move. The tasteless direction of David Michôd and the grandiloquent music of Antony Partos weigh down a story that is nevertheless essential and inspiring, although disturbing.

In the same genre I, TonyaCraig Gillespie et The Fire Insideby Rachel Morrison, are more gripping.

In the room

Biographical drama

Christy

David Michôd

Avec Sydney Sweeney, Ben Foster, Katy O’Brian

2 h 15

6,5/10