by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Whether it is discussion around transgender athletes or the WNBA rising to attention thanks to Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, women’s sports is currently a big talking point in the larger world of sports. But there have certainly been previous figures who have made big impacts and revolutionized their respective sports. One such figure in the world of women’s sports is Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, who won back-to-back Olympic gold medals, and then made a large impact in professional boxing. She was only 16 years old during her initial Olympic journey, when she became an inspiration for the whole city of Flint, Michigan.
Everyone loves an inspiring sports flick, don’t they? Director Rachel Morrison and screenwriter Barry Jenkins certainly think so, as they bring Shields’ story to life in The Fire Inside. Now, does it hit all the expected beats of a sports movie? It certainly does. But there are certain subversions in Jenkins’ script which bring it extra depth. In most films, you expect the big win to be the climax, wrapping things up on a high. But Shields’ (played in the movie by Ryan Destiny) story is not so simple. There is a sobering thread that brings her to a secondary mountain to climb. The world that Shields competed in was not fair, and Jenkins and Morrison explore sexism in the boxing world, as well as the Olympics in general. They also highlight the classism that keeps Shields from breaking through. The hard life is what made Shields the killer in the ring (which helped her overcome her lot in life) and what makes it hard to “sell” to people. Morrison and Jenkins’ nuance adds layers to the film which makes it stand out.
Additionally, Morrison is a talented and successful cinematographer, shooting films such as Black Panther and Seberg — the leap from cinematographer to director can be a tough one to make, but Morrison does a great job with The Fire Inside. The city of Flint comes to life in its stark and dilapidated state. Its snowy coldness matches the rough life that Shields has lived. The way the camera navigates the world around is dynamic and impactful, with an opening shot which flies above the city, where Shields is running; this creates the perfect setup for the rest of her story.
For a boxing film, you must get the fights right, and Morrison does, with a level of grit and authenticity that pulls you in. There are a few dynamic moments from a filmmaking standpoint, including a mirror shot that resonates well. The film looks gritty for the most part, but you can tell when there is some “movie magic” going on with some of the settings.
The other element that helps craft the film’s gritty feel is Tamar-kali’s score, whose strings thread through the film with a depth of emotion.
But the most important piece which makes The Fire Inside work is Ryan Destiny. This young performer unflinchingly carries the film on her shoulders. Body language is key. You sense her strength, the chip on her shoulder, and the vulnerability that she keeps hidden underneath the surface. Destiny has a great scowl which matches the killer instinct of Shields. But when the film calls for that vulnerability, she delivers with buckets of emotion. Destiny should have a big career ahead of her.
She has a great acting partner in Brian Tyree Henry as well. First off, he brings in plenty of comic relief due to his natural charisma. There is a warmth to his character, and you feel a deeper connection between him and Shields than you usually do between boxer and coach.
The rest of the cast don’t get as much to work with, but minus a few flat characters in the Olympic sequences, their performances work.
Overall, the creative combination of Morrison and Jenkins brings much more out of this boxing story than most would have. The film’s themes are impactful, adding plenty to this cinematic experience. There are some threads, like the young romance, which are underdeveloped but the as a whole, The Fire Inside’s story is inspiring.
Rating: Liked It
The Fire Inside is currently playing in theaters
You can read more from Shane Conto, and follow him on Instagram and Letterboxd