Sports dramas are a dime a dozen, but few tread the unbeaten path of exploring the aftermath of great success. The Fire Inside dives into the story of American boxing legend Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, her quick rise to the Olympic podium, and the rapid decline that followed.
We meet Claressa as a young girl in Flint, Michigan. She had a hard upbringing in a struggling town but developed an interest in boxing. A true spark for the sport resided in the young girl and became glaringly obvious for gym owner and eventual coach Jason Crutchfield (Brian Tyree Henry). Almost a decade later, the two developed a close bond and a strong partnership, and Claressa became an Olympic hopeful at 16 years old. Suddenly, life doesn’t look so bleak, and she has the opportunity to break a vicious cycle born from impoverishment.
The Fire Inside is perhaps one of the most candid sports dramas, where the central figure isn’t just after the glory of winning the Olympic gold, but rather the status and wealth attached to reaching the summit. We’ve all seen it. A Skilled athlete fights their way to the top, they have an incredible story, and then it happens, they win. After that, the endorsements roll in. They become an instant cultural phenomenon and, in time, a household name. Claressa understands that this is supposedly the natural path. Typically, the sports drama follows the hard work, the struggle, the familial drama, and the goal being reached; thus, the film ends on a high. Screenwriters Barry Jenkins and Morrison recognized that Claressa’s story was much more profound, and we, the audience, need the curtains pulled back to face the reality that not everyone has this journey.
Ryan Destiny is stunning as the strong-willed Claressa, balancing her intense drive with vulnerability. Claressa is a young girl coming into her own but is held back by her desire to provide for her family and mitigate her rocky relationship with her mother. With a difficult home life and her community feeling the weight of limited opportunities, there is immense pressure on Claressa to bring home the gold as it would not only her but her family and her community. It is tough to watch as Claressa struggles to manage the emotional fallout of her disillusionment. Still, Destiny makes it hard to turn away as he gracefully transitions from one emotion to another. Furthermore, Destiny’s easy chemistry with Henry carries the film as we genuinely feel their admiration for the sport and love for each other.
The relationship between boxer and coach is a strong anchor for the film, which touches on many different issues without derailing the story about Claressa overcoming and becoming “T-Rex,” an American boxing hero. Jenkins’s writing is layered and intentional. My one gripe about the film is that when Claressa gains the confidence to vocalize her dissatisfaction with the lack of opportunities for Black women, and the inequity between female and male athletes, it is underwritten and isn’t given much room to make an impact. Ultimately, the film seems to be written to appeal to younger audiences, as it treads a fine line between informing us of Claressa’s ups-and-downs and educating us on the misrepresentation of athletic success.
The Fire Inside is perfectly timed for a Christmas release as it is a rousing, informative, and moving crowd-pleaser. Destiny has claimed her ticket to the big leagues as she proves to be a certified star with her commanding presence and commitment. An acclaimed cinematographer, Morrison steps up as a well-rounded filmmaker, crafting a tale that mirrors her spirit and dedication to being an empowered woman. The challenge is excellent, as Morrison is now tasked with pulling together a commendable team to tell a story part of a story that is still ongoing. I can only imagine how emotional and honoured Claressa “T-Rex” Shields must be to know that her early years are a life worth capturing on screen and sharing with the world in such a positive way.
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