In her first feature film “The Fire Inside,” director Rachel Morrison teams up with screenwriter Barry Jenkins to make a movie that hits hard. Based on the true story of professional woman boxer (and two-time Olympic gold medalist) Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, the film is not just about boxing, but about fighting for a better life.
The movie follows Claressa’s (Ryan Destiny) early journey to the world of boxing, from sneaking into a local gym in Flint, Michigan, to becoming the first American woman to win the Olympic gold in the sport. Morrison highlights the struggles and triumphs that Shields faced as a female in the boxing world.
Brian Tyree Henry plays volunteer boxing coach Jason Crutchfield, a man who quickly notices Claressa’s talent and steps in as her mentor. The film shifts in time, starting with scenes from young Claressa’s childhood then later, telling the story of the athlete’s journey as an adult.
This is a classic underdog story, but Jenkins writes in a way that keeps the narrative fresh. The plot doesn’t stop with a big, triumphant win, but instead digs deeper into what happens after the spotlight fades. The latter parts of the film show Claressa’s bold fight for gender pay equity, the sacrifices she makes to pursue her dreams, and her role in keeping her family together. It’s refreshing to see a sports drama that goes beyond the usual formula and tackles real-world issues.
The city of Flint, home to its own serious problems, becomes a character here. Morrison captures the town’s struggles and the spirit of its residents, appropriately showing how Claressa’s journey becomes a symbol of hope for the community.
The film also handles tough topics with care. Claressa’s discussion about her experience with childhood sexual abuse is powerful and adds another layer to her character. It’s done in a way that keeps things realistic, yet never crosses the line into the melodramatic.
There are plenty of intense boxing scenes too, and they are executed well. But this is a story that’s more about what happens outside the ring.
“The Fire Inside” is more than a standard sports movie. It’s an inspiring coming-of-age story and a reminder of the challenges faced by athletes from less privileged backgrounds. This is a film that’s all about fighting for respect, equality, and remembering those who continue to stand by you when the going gets tough.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 