Embattled is one of those films, in which father and son having a heavily conflicted and strained relationship. However, not many of those relationships take the opportunity to settle it in the ring.

The fight drama stars Stephen Dorff, Darren Mann, Colin McKenna, Donald Faison, Karrueche Tran, and Elisabeth Reaser. Nick Sarkisov (Krasny) directed the movie with the script written by David McKenna (American History X).

Here’s the official synopsis:

Raised by an abusive father, Cash (Dorff) channels his aggression to become a World Champion MMA fighter. Now accustomed to wealth, adulation, and global popularity, he faces a new challenge when his second son is born with Williams Syndrome. But this time, rather than stand and fight, he runs. While Cash continues to make his fortune in the ring, his eldest son Jett (Mann) becomes the caregiver to his younger brother Quinn (McKenna). When Jett decides to follow his father’s fighting footsteps and take to the fight game, he faces his past head-on, embarking on a course inevitably pitting father versus son in a battle, which no matter the outcome, neither can win.

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Director Nick Sarkisov spoke with LRM Online’s Gig Patta about the fight drama Embattled. He spoke on how he related to the story and the preparation involved by Stephen Dorff and Darren Mann—both physically and mentally. Also, we talked about the fight choreography involved with the MMA skills.

Embattled is the sophomore feature narrative film for Nick Sarkisov. His first film, Krasny, was a period red western film during the revolutionary Russia that tells a story when a noblewoman, a red commissar, and a Cossack crossed paths. Also, Sarkisov produced two prior films, including Show Me What You Got and Let’s Scare Julie.

Embattled plays in select theaters and on VOD today.

Watch the exclusive interview with Nick Sarkisov below. Let us know what you think.

Source: LRM Online Exclusive, IFC Films