Christy Review: I didn’t expect Christy to hit me the way she did. Honestly, I don’t even follow boxing much; I usually learn about famous boxers through movies. But David Michod’s Christy (the man behind The Rover and Animal Kingdom) completely pulled me in. What I got wasn’t just a sports biopic. It was a raw, haunting look at a woman who fought just as hard outside the ring as she did inside it.
My Rating: 3.0/5
| Title | Christy |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 2025 |
| Genre | Biographical Drama, Sports, Thriller |
| Director | David Michôd (The Rover, Animal Kingdom) |
| Main Cast | Sydney Sweeney (as Christy Martin), Ben Foster (as Jim Martin), Katie O’Brien |
| Based On | The true story of Christy Martin, the most successful female boxer of the 1990s |
| Language | English |
| Runtime | 2h 15m |
The Story That Punches You in the Gut
The film tells the real-life story of Christy Martin, one of the most successful female boxers of the 1990s. She broke barriers for women in a sport that, at the time, refused to take them seriously. But Christy doesn’t just celebrate her wins; it forces you to face the dark, brutal reality of her personal life.
Christy’s husband and trainer, Jim Martin (played terrifyingly well by Ben Foster), isn’t just controlling; he’s an outright monster. Watching their toxic, abusive dynamic unfold feels like watching someone trapped inside a slow-burning nightmare. And that’s the point.
You can sense how everyone around her, her trainer, her family, even society, tries to box her in (pun intended). They want her to hide who she truly is. Christy is a queer woman, and throughout the film, she’s pressured to suppress that part of herself to maintain her public image.
And here’s the thing, even if you’ve never faced something like that personally, you’ll still feel that suffocating pressure she’s under. That needs to break free. It’s universal.
Sydney Sweeney Is on Fire
Let’s talk about Sydney Sweeney for a second. I’ve seen her give great performances before (Euphoria, Reality), but this… this is next-level. She completely disappears into Christy Martin. Every punch, every emotional breakdown, every quiet, shattered moment feels real.
This isn’t one of those performances that screams for attention; it’s the kind that crawls under your skin. You don’t see Sweeney acting; you just see Christy fighting for her life, both literally and emotionally.
And Ben Foster, my god. He’s horrifying. He plays Jim Martin with this quiet, festering menace that makes your stomach turn. He’s easily one of the most despicable villains I’ve seen in a movie this year. I could genuinely see Foster getting award attention for this role, he’s that convincing.
Katie O’Brien also deserves a shoutout. She brings an emotional warmth that balances the darkness swirling around Christy.
The Fights Are Great — But the Drama Hits Harder
If you’re expecting a straightforward boxing movie like Creed, this isn’t it. The boxing scenes are shot beautifully and feel intense, but they aren’t the movie’s main focus. The real fight is happening outside the ring, in Christy’s home, her relationships, and her own identity.
It’s less about punches and more about power, who has it, who takes it, and who finally reclaims it.
When the film shifts fully into the psychological and emotional tug-of-war between Christy and Jim, that’s when it becomes truly gripping. Those scenes are claustrophobic, terrifying, and impossible to look away from.
By the end, I sat there just stunned, asking myself, “How did I not know about this story before?” It’s one of those true stories that makes you realize real life can be way more shocking than fiction.
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The Good & Bad
| Good Stuff | Bad Stuff |
|---|---|
| Sydney Sweeney gives her best performance yet — raw and real. | Some might find the pacing slow, especially if expecting a fast-paced sports drama. |
| Ben Foster is terrifying — easily one of the best villains of the year. | The boxing scenes are fewer than you might hope for. |
| Emotional storytelling that feels deeply human. | A few supporting characters could’ve used more depth. |
| Strong direction by David Mod — intense without being over-the-top. | The heavy themes might be hard for some viewers to sit through. |
Final Thoughts
Christy isn’t a crowd-pleasing underdog story. It’s a bruising, emotional gut punch that shows how strength doesn’t just come from throwing punches, it comes from surviving the ones life throws at you.
Sydney Sweeney proves she’s more than just a rising star; she’s the real deal. Ben Foster is chilling, and the film’s quiet, painful honesty sticks with you long after the credits roll.
Even if you’ve never cared about boxing, Christy is worth your time. It’s raw, real, and unforgettable.
⭐ My Rating: 3.0/5