Barry Jenkins' scripts undeniably strike a powerful chord. The boxing biopic, "The Fire Inside," crafted and brought to life by the Academy Award-winning auteur Jenkins, debuted at TIFF to overwhelmingly positive reviews, igniting cinematic sparks. This compelling feature film brings the awe-inspiring journey of boxing legend Claressa "T-Rex" Shields to the silver screen, marking the directorial debut of Rachel Morrison, the visionary cinematographer behind "Mudbound" and "Black Panther," who made cinematic history as the first woman ever nominated for the Best Cinematography Oscar.
Rising star Ryan Destiny breathes life into the role of Shields, with Academy Award-nominated actor Brian Tyree Henry portraying her unwavering coach. According to the official synopsis, "The Fire Inside" narrates the heartening true story of Claressa Shields (Destiny), widely regarded as the greatest female boxer of all time. From humble beginnings as a high school junior in Flint, Michigan, Claressa, guided by her no-nonsense coach Jason Crutchfield (Henry), defies all odds to become the first American woman to clinch an Olympic gold medal in boxing. Yet, even at the pinnacle of her achievements, Claressa confronts the harsh reality that not all dreams are born equal, and her true battle has just commenced.
The release of "The Fire Inside" is aptly timed during an Olympic year, echoing Shields' historic moment as the first woman to secure an Olympic gold medal in boxing during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, when she was just 17. She later added another gold to her collection in women's middleweight boxing at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Shields' remarkable life story was previously showcased in the 2015 boxing documentary "T-REX," helmed by Zackary Canepari and Drea Cooper. "The Fire Inside" initially found its home at Universal Pictures after the studio acquired the rights to Shields' life story and the "T-REX" documentary in 2016. Initially titled "Flint Strong," the project garnered comparisons to the iconic "Rocky" franchise, with rumors swirling that Jenkins would take the director's chair when it was announced in 2016.
Screenwriter Jenkins produces "The Fire Inside" alongside Elishia Holmes, while director Morrison, the real-life Claressa Shields, Lyn Lucibello Brancatella, Drea Cooper, Zackary Canepari, and Sue Jaye Johnson serve as executive producers. The IndieWire review lauded breakthrough star Destiny for her captivating portrayal that encapsulates every facet of Shields' character. "Becoming an Olympic athlete isn't a bed of roses, and Jenkins' script fearlessly delves into the challenges Shields faced: familial strife, an Olympic system that restricts Jason's presence, and societal expectations that pigeonhole 'female athletes' as cute, plucky, and non-threatening," the review exclaims. "Destiny's performance, masterfully balancing Claressa's grit and heart, ignites a fierce loyalty within the audience, rooting for both her and the film."
"The Fire Inside" ignites theaters on December 25, brought to you by Amazon MGM Studios. Embark on this inspiring journey with the trailer below.
