Claressa Shields, the two-time Olympic gold medalist, takes center stage in Rachel Morrison’s The Fire Inside. This biographical drama tells the story of Shields’ journey from a young girl with a passion for boxing to a celebrated athlete and back again.
The film begins in Flint, Michigan, where Shields grew up in poverty, sleeping in a shared bed with her siblings. She finds solace at a local youth field house, where coach Jason Crutchfield teaches boys how to box. Despite initial reluctance, Crutchfield takes Shields on as his student, and she becomes a force to be reckoned with on the boxing ring.
As Shields’ career takes off, she faces challenges both in and out of the ring. She struggles to balance her celebrity status with her poverty-stricken life, and finds herself disillusioned with the endorsement deals that promised to change her world. Despite her success, Shields is still aimless and unfulfilled, wondering if her achievements truly count.
The Fire Inside is a slow-burning drama that focuses on the aftermath of Shields’ Olympic triumphs. Rather than dwelling on the victories themselves, the film explores the complexities of fame and fortune. While director Rachel Morrison’s restrained style may not be as showy as Barry Jenkins’, who also wrote and produced the film, it suits the tone of The Fire Inside.
The film’s thoughtful reworking of the sports drama formula is refreshing in an era where mid-budget movies have largely disappeared. Despite some minor missteps, The Fire Inside offers a nuanced exploration of Shields’ life and legacy.
Source: https://www.avclub.com/the-fire-inside-review