Christy is a story about resilience and reinvention. In the small-town hills of West Virginia, young athlete Christy Martin (Sydney Sweeney) discovers her natural power, ferocity, and purpose in the boxing ring at a time when women weren’t expected to fight. As she rises through the ranks to become a national sensation, she also finds herself trapped in a dangerous marriage to her trainer, Jim (Ben Foster). Torn between ambition and fear, Christy learns that the hardest fight she’ll ever face won’t happen under the lights, but behind closed doors.
What works in Christy are Sydney Sweeney’s commanding performance, the visceral choreography, and the film’s distinctive visual style. Sweeney completely transforms into Christy Martin, capturing both her physical strength and emotional complexity. Every jab and uppercut carries weight, not just in power but in meaning. The boxing sequences are choreographed with authenticity and intensity Each match feels brutally real while remaining cinematic. Director David Michôd leans into a stylish aesthetic that mirrors Christy’s dual existence: the electric spectacle of fame and the suffocating tension of control. The result is a film that looks as fierce as its subject, fusing grit with grace.
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People who prefer more uplifting or conventional sports dramas may not enjoy Christy as much as others. The film does not shy away from depicting the physical and emotional abuse Christy endured, and several scenes are difficult to watch. These moments are handled with sensitivity and purpose, but their intensity can be unsettling. In addition, the film occasionally struggles to balance its tones. The inspirational arc of a sports icon rising to fame sometimes clashes with the grim realism of domestic violence. The tension between those two modes can make the story feel uneven, even as both halves remain compelling on their own.
Christy is a powerful, haunting film anchored by one of Sydney Sweeney’s finest performances to date. It’s as much about survival as success, reminding audiences that victory can come from simply refusing to give up. Equal parts bruising and beautiful, Christy hits hard and leaves a mark. Recommended.
Recommended if you enjoyed: Million Dollar Baby, I, Tonya, The Fighter
Christy is available in theaters beginning on November 7th, 2025
