Christy (2025)

I knew pretty much nothing about this film before I decided to go and see this film. The story tells the story of Christy (Sydney Sweeney) as she becomes the poster child for women’s boxing. As the film progresses it becomes more about the abusive relationship between Christy and Jim.

The film doesn't pull any punches. There are a couple of scenes where Christy suffers domestic violence. They all come after Christy takes a dig at Jim and he retaliates. The first time we don't see what happens although it's left to our imagination. This can often be just as impactful as if we did see it. This felt like the calm before the storm as the really tough part comes when Jim stabs Christy, shoots her and then goes and has a shower is a tough one to watch. Its partly because Sweeney looks helpless as she is bleeding to death, choking on her own blood with a bit of flesh hanging from her calf but also that Ben Foster is just walking around almost not sure what to do next. Walking in and out of each room like he’s just forgotten what he went in for. It’s rather underplayed but quite powerful and then it's followed by Christy getting up and managing to get help. 

Sydney Sweeney is very good. It’s clear that she does all the boxing stuff herself and do you really sympathise with her as the relationship with Jim goes to a dark place. I know some people will take against this purely because of the jean advert she did and because she’s a registered republican but that has absolutely nothing to do with the role. As Christy she is a confident if at times flawed person who trash talks people more out of trying to convince herself of her abilities as opposed to convincing others. Ben Foster plays Jim and is really good as playing such a vile and abusive person. He almost steals the show because of how horrible he is. From the very moment that we see him there is something to dislike about him and its curious to see what Christy likes about him apart from the promises that he makes about helping her career. I liked his last scene where he is sitting in court as Christy gives her speech and he looks pathetic and you cant help but think that this is the least he deserves.

Katy O’Brien has a habit of turning up in a film and being great in it. Since Love Lies Bleeding she shows she can do whatever role she plays. As Lisa, she starts off as someone who is an opponent of Christy’s and by the end of the film becomes her wife. It’s quite the progression for her. She is underused in this film but what we do get in this film is still great to see. 

Christy was a very good film that does what The Smashing Machine doesn't and tells a story about someone that may not be known to many people and makes it interesting. It has great performances and should be seen by as many people as possible. The film might struggle to find an audience and its not because its lead star is a registered republican but because of the domestic violence aspect of the story. If you can get through the tough subject matter then this film is worth your time. At over two hours it doesnt outstay its welcome and I think is perfectly paced with an upbeat ending. One of the best surprises of the year.