The Wasteland Reviewer

Christy (2025) Written Review

Who is the woman that put women’s boxing on the map? That title just might have to go to Christy Martin. This woman came from a modest home of strongly religious, and unfortunately homophobic, folks and soon rose to be the face of women’s boxing in the 1990s. She struggled with her sexuality as she was bullied into “being” straight and would get her in a terribly abusive and dangerous marriage with her trainer Jim Martin. David Michod (Animal Kingdom and The Rover director) takes the reins of Martin’s story with the latest sports biopic…Christy. 

What does Michod offer in bringing Martin’s story to life? This is a film that certainly plays within the conventions of all the sports biopics that came before it. More like it…it plays in the same sandbox of most biopics in general. Michod co-wrote this screenplay with Mirrah Foulkes (along with a story credit from Katherine Fugate) and this script certainly has that familiar structure of so many biopics before it. We can tell the story over time while condensing elements to capture the scope of life in a more manageable package. There are a few limitations that stand out when it comes to the effectiveness of Christy. One, this film feels long. At two hours and fifteen minutes, you can feel the weight of it all while also feeling like you wouldn’t miss out if the story was leaned out to a more manageable length. Another challenge of writing is that some of the elements feel more surface level than their weight would suggest. There are some overly simplified elements that deserve to be deepened. You just get the sense that Christy is played a little bit safe. 

But does Michod bring a certain edge from behind the camera? When the film leans into the abusive marriage of Christy and Jim Martin (including the horrific act that finally broke them up), you feel the blunt, visceral effect of the experience. These scenes are brutal and have no frills that take away from their impact. The overall tone of the film is a bit unknown though. There are moments where Christy plays like a rousing fun underdog tale which feels so off when put in the context of when Martin’s story takes much darker turns. The pacing of the film lags as well (getting back to the overly long complaint from earlier). The film does have an effective visual presentation with sharp and effective (yet subtle) cinematography from Germain McMickling. The boxing sequences are well shot and choreographed, giving them an intensity needed to show some authenticity. The score and needle drops do give the experience a bit more personality as well. 

How does the cast fair in bringing the players in Martin’s life to the screen? This was a big moment and opportunity for Sydney Sweeney to be taken seriously as an actor. This certainly was a transformation role that saw Sweeney pack on muscle and weight to bring this boxer to life. Sweeney delivers an empathetic performance that embodies the attitude and drive that made Martin such a star. You believe this spunky and fierce performer despite her size disadvantages. Sweeney might not get the type of awards attention she was hoping for (like Dwayne Johnson with The Smashing Machine) but she delivers a performance worth being proud of. Ben Foster is one of the best actors working today and his supporting role as Jim Martin is quite memorable. Certainly, showy from a make-up and presentation perspective, Foster leans more into a quieter intensity that makes Jim a terrifying figure in this film. There is something dark and twisted underneath the surface with Foster’s performance that feels so essential to the overall experience of the film. There are three other performers who make a lasting impression (with the rest doing some rock-solid work). Merritt Wever is downright hateful and sinister as Martin’s controlling and homophobic mother. The character is a little underwritten, but Wever just brings an arrogance and intensity that does not fail. Katy O’Brien is a strong addition to the cast with her charming and sincere turn as Martin’s rival turned friend. Finally, the showiest and most fun performance must be Chad L. Coleman as Don King himself. Big. Bold. Boisterous. He sells this legendary boxing figure so well. 

Is Christy a great addition to the fall awards races this year? This new biopic does not quite reach those heights. But Michod’s film is effective, impactful, and engaging for sure. Sweeney and Foster are a powerful duo who stand out and bring some serious weight and life to Martin’s story. This is a well-made and effective boxing film that will certainly have its fans. There was a better, more refined film somewhere in there, but it still delivers an engaging experience.