Review of “Christie”: A Boxing Drama with Complex Themes

The film “Christie” by David Michod presents a boxing narrative that may not be groundbreaking, but it carries its own weight. It tells the story of a lesbian warrior navigating a straight marriage—certainly not a fresh topic. While it offers a basic structure typical of sports biopics, it serves as a platform for some notable performances. Sidney Sweeney shines here, though it’s hard to find her in many films lately.

We meet Christy Martin, a relatively unknown amateur basketball player, portrayed by Sweeney. After being scouted following her first match, she decides to delve into boxing, despite the limited opportunities for women athletes. Set in 1989, the story highlights the challenges she faces from her conservative West Virginian parents who disapprove of her relationship with Rosie, portrayed by Jess Gaybor. Although their families initially separate them, Christy falls in love with the boxing ring, paving an uncharted path.

Christy eventually captures the attention of Jim Martin, played by Ben Foster, a divorced man who reluctantly becomes her trainer. However, she finds herself in a marriage of convenience with him. Throughout the ’90s and into 2010, Jim takes charge, securing numerous matches for Christy and elevating women’s boxing into the spotlight. Yet, this film struggles with a focus on the real-life timeline. It hops between subplots rather erratically, inundated with montages of fights and training, which leaves little room for deeper character exploration. This makes the more antagonistic characters, like Jim and Christy’s unsupportive mother, Joyce (Merritt Wever), feel more like stereotypes than complex figures.

Despite the film’s emphasis on themes of abuse and rigid gender roles, a significant amount of discord unfolds off-screen, especially during abrupt timeline shifts. Michod, while enthusiastic, often misses the opportunity for meaningful direction. The camera becomes fixated on irrelevant details, neglecting dramatic nuances. Opportunities for reflection—like Christy’s struggle with femininity in such a masculine sport—are overlooked. What does this all add up to? It often feels like mere occurrences rather than a profound commentary.

With limited focus on surrounding dynamics, Sweeney must shoulder the emotional heft of the film. And while she delivers commendably, the narrative around her character’s transformation seems somewhat outdated, barely capturing the rich complexity of her physical performance. Unlike the more dramatic turn by Charlize Theron in “Monster,” Sweeney’s minor weight gain for the role is treated merely as a visual choice rather than a significant part of her character development. Yet how she embodies Christy with an androgynous flair stands out, showcasing her confidence both in and out of the ring.

Initially, Christy’s unapologetic exploration of her sexuality contrasts sharply with her timid demeanor during fights. This interplay between her outward self and the fighter within becomes a central theme. As she grapples with the convergence of her personal and professional identities, one might wonder if her burgeoning confidence will overshadow her vulnerabilities.

The interaction with her increasingly controlling husband complicates this journey, but watching Sweeney grow more assured in her boxing is a delight. While the film doesn’t perfectly showcase her skills—leaving chaotic fight scenes that lack clarity—“Christie” mirrors a typical romantic comedy: a woman unaware of her beauty finding her strength, a transformation that starts to morph into a brash personality.

However, the film drags on for nearly two hours, and only towards the end does it evolve into a darker exploration of Jim’s enduring impact. Up until that point, it feels rather monotonous. Unlike classics like “Raging Bull” or films that handle domestic violence delicately, “Christie” flattens these intense experiences into mere background noise until it’s almost too late. This creates a jarring disconnect, considering that the emotional stakes are laid out yet sidelined. While Sweeney’s central performance elevates the film, there’s only so much a skilled actor can do when the narrative feels intent on diminishing their efforts. Christie’s battles extend beyond opponents—her confrontation with her husband and societal expectations showcases Sweeney’s struggle against the filmmaking choices that hinder her expression. In the end, it’s a hard-fought victory for her, but barely.

“Christie” is set to hit theaters on November 7, 2025, before making its way to streaming platforms later this year.