by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Who is next on the long train of actors who take to leap into the world of directing? Halle Berry! Doing an MMA film? Interesting. This sure would not be the first time that Berry took on tough fighting roles (just look at her years as Storm and her latest venture in the world of John Wick). And honestly, who doesn’t love a good sports drama? I guess this is an impactful way to make a directorial splash especially when you have streaming giant like Netflix distributing your film. This one certainly piqued my interest (despite not being a fan of MMA).
But did my curiosity pay off? As many films before it, Bruised turns out to be a solid, if not clichéd, film bolstered by a powerful leading performance. Oh… and Berry certainly brings it. She must balance intense drama, which focus on a variety of relationships, while also meeting the physical expectations of a prize fighter. Berry nails the physicality well and delivers some genuine and believable fight choreography. She also needs to show a variety of emotions along the way from fear, anxiety, lust, and anger. This is one of the rawest and most impressive performances Berry has given her whole career, and especially lately.
But why does this narrative not live up to this powerful performance? This film lives comfortably in the tropes of most sports dramas. They are meant to build up to one last game or fight and this one does not stray from that formula either. Is it an exciting fight? It sure is, but it delivers the same beats as most underdog stories. Another thing going on for this slight bloated film is the sheer number of subplots we have going on. Jackie Justice (Berry), our “down on her luck” fighter, needs to get back into the ring. That is the main story, which is paired with a laundry list of other sports subplots, but more importantly familial and relational ones as well. She has an abusive manager/lover, a son dropped at her door who doesn’t communicate, a judgmental mother, a trainer who catches feels, and so on. Many of them are interesting and some are undeveloped, but overall, it is just too many bridges too far.
We know there is plenty of drama to go around, but is the direction strong enough to handle it all? For a film tipping over the two-hour mark, Berry can put enough energy to keep it moving. The most important set piece of the film is the fight at the end which is shot and choreographed well. There is solid tension and suspense as Jackie fights for the future of her career. Berry shares intimate moments with costar Sheila Atim and the direction shows passion and restrain while those actors bring convincing chemistry. The film in general has a gritty and raw look to it which feels almost like a documentary. Berry certainly shows promise (leaving you wishing that the story did something a little more unique or bold).
But in general, does Bruised off an experience worth taking over on Netflix? The performance at the center alone is worth experiencing. It is great to see Berry back in the saddle of a big-time drama. If you are a fan of a good sports drama, this one certainly delivers as well. Just don’t go in expecting to be surprised.
Grade: B-
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