The Fire Inside Review

Rarely does a sports biopic ever show both sides of the story. When it does, it feels all the more impactful. Though recent sports films, like Challengers and Unstoppable, mostly explore the road to success, the aftermath never really gets shown. However, The Fire Inside not only presents the whole story as best as possible, but it also retains the specialty that makes such films heartfelt. Plus, with the close involvement of its subject, Claressa Shields, in its development, it’s very faithful in presenting her story while keeping true to its ideas of resilience, passion, and empathy.

Initially, The Fire Inside may seem like the typical sports film. The main character, in this case being Shields, comes from the impoverished town of Flint, Michigan. She lives in a dismal situation where her family, especially her mother, is living in poor conditions. As an escape, she finds her way into coach Jason Crutchfield’s gym to take up boxing. While this all happens in the beginning of the first act, the film takes this tonal shift, which truly makes it feel inherently different.

This is heavily felt in Ryan Destiny’s performance as Shields, who channels the Olympic champion’s emotions with tenacity. As Shields struggles with not living up to expectations, Destiny really captures that disdain for societal norms maturely. At every step of the way, her performance never feels that forced to the point where it feels ironic. There’s one specific scene between Shields and Brian Tyree Henry’s Crutchfield that really captures the depth of Destiny’s take by the second act. That moment not only solidified how complex all of these external factors played a role in Shields’ journey, but also incredible Destiny is in the role.

Destiny’s overall chemistry with Tyree Henry’s Crutchfield is sincere to the fullest and it shows. On his own, Tyree Henry inserts this inner empathy and compassion to bring out the best of Crutchfield. He’s got his own jokes and comedic riffs here and there, but deep down, he’s really in the same situation as Shields. Through that similarity, the relationship between Tyree Henry’s Crutchfield and Destiny’s Shields lends The Fire Inside this needed lightheartedness. 

(L-R): Ryan Destiny as Claressa Shields and Brian Tyree Henry as Jason Crutchfield in The Fire Inside.
Photo: Sabrina Lantos/Amazon MGM Studios

This lightheartedness is especially seen during the whole Olympics moment in the film’s midpoint. As Claressa fights her opponent, with Destiny giving the choreography everything it’s got, there’s this moment that really subverts the situation. While it may seem a bit fast-paced, it really showcases how important that bond between Shields and Crutchfield is. Aside from the good editing around this, it also gives another character, Shields’ representative, this new trait of understanding. This might actually be the first time there’s a character, like her, that experiences that in an interesting way!

However, when their motivations come into conflict, these scenes prove to be some of the film’s stronger scenes. This increased tension is really felt in The Fire Inside’s second act. To those who are unfamiliar with Shields’ story, it doesn’t have all the pop and sparkle that most sports biopics have. 

She barely makes it to the Olympics boxing team and the fight she wants to take changes at the last minute. Furthermore, everyone is trying to shape Shields into who they want her to be, from her mother to her boyfriend and even Crutchfield. Though some scenes feel stereotypical, mostly present in the first act, most of these moments fully capture that intensity. This is especially so into the build-up into Claressa’s qualifying match, which has two important scenes that really channel that. As both see her family getting involved, The Fire Inside maintains this necessary hesitancy for Shields that serves as a good challenge for her to solve later.

When it all comes full circle in The Fire Inside’s final act, the story really becomes much more complicated. Shields’ success in the Olympics isn’t really a success overall as her and Crutchfield are still stuck in their conditions. Though her family life is somewhat improved with her father’s release, Shields is still reeling with the outcome. While the writing around these scenes could’ve been somewhat more subtle, the overall presentation of the norms not changing is still effective. Due in part to the balanced cinematography and editing as well, this entire portion of the film stands out marvelously.

As a whole, The Fire Inside successfully serves as, both, an emotionally powerful piece about breaking norms and a faithful sports biopic. Overall, Claressa Shields’ journey to the top and again is amazing on its own. However, The Fire Inside is able to uplift her story in a way that’s very captivating. Shields’ collaboration with director Rachel Morrison, Barry Jenkins, Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry has definitely proven its worth!

The Fire Inside arrives in theaters December 25.

Rating
★★★★

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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.

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