If there was ever an inspirational story that was perfect for the Christmas season, it would be The Fire Inside. Based on Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields’ rise to glory, this biopic follows two sides of her time with coach Jason Crutchfield on her way to the 2012 Olympics. From her early days in her hometown, Flint, Michigan, to the aftermath of it all, Claressa is forced to face many challenges, both physical and emotional. In light of all of this, she has to reckon with the fact that not all dreams are created equal, and the real fight has only just begun.
As a film based on real events, The Fire Inside also faces several challenges, such as what’s right or not right to show. Like all biopics, it has to remain as faithful to the subject’s story as much as possible. Fortunately, Shields’ close involvement with director Rachel Morrison really uplifted this film into being a really great sports biopic this year. During the press conference, Morrison broke down what made Shields’ story very special.
“Claressa is such a badass force and an incredible athlete, and I follow sports,” Morrison said. “So for me to not know it, it felt like there was something wrong in the universe. And I think [Barry Jenkins] had the same response, which is what inspired him to take on the project as well.”
In addition, Shields also recounted the experience of what it was like having her story transformed into what would become The Fire Inside.
“They were like, “We want to do, you know, a movie about your life,”” Shields began. “We watched T-Rex and we’re huge fans. I was like, “Well, which part of my life are you guys gonna do because my life isn’t over yet?””
Furthermore, she recounted how the 2015 documentary only showcased one part of her life rather than presenting the full picture. “I just was like, people left the documentary T-Rex thinking that I won a gold medal and that was it,” Shields continued.
“With the movie that’s gonna be worldwide, I’m like, I need it to where people understand like, don’t leave out any of the bad stuff,” Shields said.
As such, The Fire Inside provides this unique insight into this shade of success where it isn’t quite what anyone could expect. Ryan Destiny, who portrays Shields throughout the film, described how working on the film really resonated with her and how she understood that Claressa’s perspective.
“I would just need some sort of, like, rejuvenation of just a reminder of that energy that you need to have,” Destiny said. “So I think it was literally ‘What would Claressa do at this moment.’ [laugh] Because she is my inspiration, literally, even outside of the film.”
“I think everyone should have that confidence that she embodies,” Destiny continued. “Being able to speak life into [Claressa’s story] I think is so important for us as humans to be able to do. I think a lot of people shy away from that because they think it’s egotistical or whatever it may be. They just think you shouldn’t feel so good about yourself. But you absolutely should.”
Furthermore, Destiny went deeper into how the film’s ideas about passion and confidence were extremely important throughout the process.
“No matter how badly you get knocked down, like, the real test is like getting back up,” Destiny said. “And I do think it’s just incredibly, like, inspiring, the level of resilience, not just inside the ring, but outside too.”
Brian Tyree Henry, who plays Jason Crutchfield, also explained how the relationship between Crutchfield and Shields differs from other bonds in boxing films. “It’s living proof, you know? We’re living proof of [that confidence],” Tyree Henry began.
“I just think about my coaches and the people who saw me,” Tyree Henry stated. “You know, when I was running around, you know, not knowing what I wanted to be in this world.”
“I hope that those mentors and those trainers and those people know that about themselves. That’s why I really wanted to make sure this movie was made. ‘Cause I feel like he needed to see that, for himself, and, you know, and believe that,” Tyree Henry added.
The Fire Inside is now playing in theaters.
_
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.