FIRE INSIDE, THE

(director: Rachel Morrison; screenwriter: Barry Jenkins; cinematographer: Rina Yang; editor: Harry Yoon; music: Tamar-kali; cast: Ryan Destiny (Claressa Shields), Brian Tyree Henry (Jason Crutchfield), Olunike Adeliyi (Jackie Shields), Jazmin Headley (Young Clareesa); Runtime: 109; MPAA Rating: PG-13; producers: Elisha Holmes, Rachel Morrison; Amazon MGM Studios; 2024)

“Its paint by the numbers execution resulted in a listless story instead of a more passionate one.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

The cinematographer turned director Rachel Morrison in her directorial feature film debut films this conventional sports biopic. The screenplay is by Barry Jenkins. It’s a solid work thanks to the central performance of Ryan Destiny, who plays Claressa ‘T-Rex’ Shields, the female boxer from Flint, Michigan. She’s the first boxer, male or female, to win consecutive Olympic gold medals.

Claressa trains with Jason Crutchfield (Brian Tyree Henry), and lives at home with her unstable mom (Olunike Adeliyi).

Life’s a struggle for her, as even after winning a Gold Medal she receives no endorsements. Also, while training for the Olympics, she receives less expense money than the men.

The gist of its story is the positive relationship between the boxer and her trainer.

Too bad its paint by the numbers execution resulted in a listless story instead of a more passionate one.

It played at the Toronto Film Festival.

REVIEWED ON 10/22/2024  GRADE: B-
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