@Courtesy of Black Bear
The most compelling, knockout boxing performances – both in the ring and on the screen – are potent game-changers that will long be remembered. That sentiment is certainly true for the career of former professional boxer, Christy Martin. It’s also the case for the new gritty, cathartic biopic about her life, Christy. The movie thrives on the titular character’s resilience, courage and her fight to reclaim her own life.
David Michôd directed and produced the sports drama. He also co-wrote the film’s script with Mirrah Foulkes. Katherine Fugate crafted the feature’s story, which is based on true events in Martin’s life.
The biopic stars Sydney Sweeney in the lead role, as well as Ben Foster, Merritt Wever and Ethan Embry. Katy O’Brian, Jess Gabor, Chad Coleman, Bryan Hibbard, Tony Cavalero and Gilbert Cruz join the main cast on screen.
@Courtesy of Black Bear
Christy follows the life of the eponymous small-town girl from West Virginia. She took command of the world of female boxing between 1989 to 2010. The Coal Miner’s Daughter’s trainer and manager-turned-husband, Jim Martin (Foster), guides her along the way. Their collaboration leads her to forge a collaboration with boxing promoter Don King (Chad L. Coleman).
While Christy flaunts a fiery persona in the ring, her toughest battles unfold outside it. She must confront her family and personal identity as her fighting career begins to plateau. Christy faces consistent disapproval from her conservative parents, Joyce (Wever) and John Salters (Embry). The duo condemn her for having romantic feelings for other women. She must also battle her relationship with Jim, which may just become a life-or-death situation.
Michôd continued his successful streak of scribing and helming realistic, character-driven projects with his latest effort. The Australian filmmaker crafted another feature filled with a raw and gritty storytelling style.
Much like Michôd’s earlier movies, including Animal Kingdom and The Rover, Christy features raw and realistic characters who thrive in their psychological depth. The helmer’s latest drama breaks away from traditional sports biopic rhetoric to instead focus on the heroine’s survival and self-actualization.
@Courtesy of Black Bear
Sweeney embraced the deep psychological depth of her complex protagonist’s determination to navigate difficult circumstances. The actress embraced Christy’s desperation as she displayed idiosyncratic honesty throughout her career.
During a time when women weren’t considered to be boxing champions, Sweeney emphasized her character’s ability to become a hero.. She naturally channeled the grittiness of a working-class woman from Appalachia who’s determined to succeed in her career, even though she isn’t truly happy in her personal life. The heroine refuses to renounce her own ideology and identity in a community that doesn’t initially welcome and embrace her.
Sweeney’s performance shows how Christy was such a natural force in the ring from the time she started her boxing career in the late 1980s. The performer’s portrayal highlights her character’s prominence: she became the first female boxer featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated and led the way in garnering international attention for the sport.
The actress’ portrayal also shows that her character was so prominent – including being the first female boxer to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated – that she lead the way in garnering international attention for the sport.
Michôd demonstrated that Christy became so successful in her career because she has the natural capability to overcome cruelty. The film initially views James’s behavior as natural male aggression, as Christy did, until his threats become impossible to ignore.
@Courtesy of Black Bear
Foster thrived in his performance as the contemptible and paranoid Jim, who wishes to subdue his wife through misogyny and homophobia. The actor highlights how the coach wished to withhold his wife’s professional and personal freedoms for his own personal gain. Jim is the perfect metaphor for the patriarchal, societal shackles that marginalized women like Christy contend with in their everyday lives.
Christy is an empowering boxing story that morphs into a vital and inspirational portrait of resilience in the face of domestic abuse. Sweeney was the perfect choice to play the eponymous protagonist in the biopic.
The actress captured the shame her character received from her husband and family for her true sexuality. The performer also highlighted Christy’s vulnerability. That feeling grew inside her as she projected a tough persona in the ring. However, she didn’t always connect with that demeanor in real life.
Michôd once again crafted a realistic, character-driven project that thrives on his signature raw and gritty storytelling style. Christy features realistic characters who thrive in embracing their psychological depth and self-actualization as they fight for survival.
Overall: A-
Black Bear Pictures is releasing Christy in theaters today, November 7, 2025. The movie’s official distribution comes after it had its World Premiere at at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Our interview with a real Christy Martin.
If you like the review, share your thoughts below!
Check out more of Karen Benardello’s articles.
Here’s the trailer of the film.