Preview by Jon Donnis
David Michôd, best known for Animal Kingdom, The King and The Rover, returns with Christy, a drama based on the extraordinary life of Christy Martin. The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on 5 September and will soon arrive in the UK, screening as a Headline Gala at the 69th BFI London Film Festival on 17 October. UK and Irish cinemas will release it on 28 November.
At the heart of the story is Sydney Sweeney as Christy Martin, a small-town girl from West Virginia who discovers an unlikely gift for fighting. Her natural toughness and drive take her into the boxing world, where she comes under the guidance of her trainer and manager Jim, played by Ben Foster. Jim becomes central to her rise but also to the challenges she faces in her personal life.
The film does not shy away from Christy's off-ring struggles. While she builds a fiery persona in the ring, her toughest moments play out in her relationships, her family, and in questions of identity. These battles shape her just as much as her professional career, and the film positions her as a figure of resilience and survival as much as sporting achievement.
Michôd's work has often dealt with characters under pressure, and Christy Martin's story fits that mould perfectly. With a combination of energy, grit and emotional depth, Christy looks set to offer more than a sports biopic. It promises a gripping account of a woman who fought not just for titles but for her own life.
