From the very first scene, “The Fire Inside” grips you with its raw energy and powerful storytelling. This inspiring sports drama chronicles the journey of boxer Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, delivering emotional punches in all the right places while breaking stereotypes about women in sports. Released on Dec. 25 and directed by Rachel Morrison, the film tells the true story of Shields’ rise as the United States’ first female boxing gold medalist and the only American to win back-to-back Olympic boxing titles. It’s a must-watch for fans of motivational stories and those seeking films that highlight the triumphs of women in athletics.
Battling challenges on and off the ring
Shields faces immense challenges—not just in the boxing ring but also in her personal life at home in Flint, MI. Poverty and hardship stand in her way as she strives for the Olympics, only to discover that the sports industry is even more demanding. Despite setbacks, she fights her way to the top while staying true to herself. After a match in China, Nicole Thompson, USA Boxing’s head of marketing, tells Shields that the sports industry expects female athletes to behave a certain ladylike way. Shields puts on makeup to meet those standards, but later wipes it off, showing her refusal to conform to others’ expectations.
Shields isn’t alone in her journey. Her coach, Jason Crutchfield, pushes her with tough love and provides a place to stay when she’s kicked out of her house. Thompson exposes her to the industry’s rigid expectations, reminding her that success isn’t just about winning fights. Meanwhile, her siblings, Briana and Peanut, serve as her motivation, driving her to compete and build a better future.
Resilience defines path to success
At its core, “The Fire Inside” is about resilience and persistence in the face of adversity. Shields must overcome Crutchfield’s initial skepticism about women’s boxing and make significant sacrifices to achieve greatness. This is particularly evident in her relationship with Lil’ Zay, her sparring partner and love interest. As their bond deepens, Shields ultimately prioritizes her Olympic dreams over romance, reinforcing her unwavering commitment to success.
The film’s pacing is expertly handled, allowing emotional moments to breathe before transitioning into high-intensity scenes. The pacing effectively balances emotional depth and tension, such as when Shields loses a match in the qualifiers, leading to a heated argument with Crutchfield over his absence. However, at times, the transitions between reflective moments and high-energy scenes feel uneven, and some slower moments could have been trimmed for a more consistent flow. Still, by expanding the traditional sports narrative, the film provides a deeper look into Shields’ hardships, from food scarcity to being kicked out of her home.
One of the most striking examples of these struggles comes months after her victory at the 2012 London Olympics when Shields visits a pawn shop to sell her gold medal for money. This moment is shocking, yet as it unfolds, it feels inevitable. Struggling to secure endorsements and financial stability due to societal perceptions of women in sports, she resorts to pawning her medal as a last-ditch effort, illustrating her frustration and despair. The film’s portrayal of an athlete’s struggles beyond their sport provides a rare and insightful perspective on the industry’s toll on competitors.
Amid these challenges, one of the most memorable performances is during the film’s climax. Jackie, Claressa’s mother, urges Shields to reconsider pawning off her gold medal for money. She reminds her that the gold medal represents hope for their community–that if Claressa can succeed, so can they. It’s an incredibly touching moment that shifts their previously strained relationship, showing that Jackie still cares for her daughter.
This emotional turning point reinforces the film’s core themes of resilience, persistence and the importance of hard work. Her journey does not end with this moment of doubt; instead it highlights her continued determination to rise above adversity. This was shown at the end of the film, when it revealed Shields became the first U.S. boxer to win back-to-back gold medals at the 2016 Olympics and the only American boxer, male or female, to win two consecutive gold medals. She has also secured 15 titles in five different weight classes since turning professional.
Beyond her achievements in the ring, Shields’ impact extends to advocacy for equality in sports. Shields won her fight for equal pay for all Olympic boxers. This was shown when she later accepted the offer to train in Colorado with USA’s boxing team for the next Olympics, under the condition that women receive equal pay. She said that her fight was not just for herself but for all female athletes.
The film’s themes are both relevant and thought-provoking. Beyond being entertaining, “The Fire Inside” left me inspired to approach my own goals with the same resilience Shields displayed. As a member of Chaminade University’s Early College program, I push myself to excel in my college classes, and this film serves as a reminder to keep working hard, even when the coursework feels overwhelming. Additionally, as a cadet in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), I dedicate time outside of school to stay physically fit. Shields’ perseverance motivates me to stay committed to my training, even on days when I feel exhausted beyond belief. Her story resonates deeply, reinforcing the importance of persistence in all aspects of life.
Cinematography captures emotional journey
The film’s ability to balance raw emotion with powerful storytelling is a testament to the talent behind the camera. “The Fire Inside” marks Morrison’s directorial debut, which clearly stands out through the cinematography, as it’s able to properly reflect the emotional journey of Shields throughout the film. We see this in several scenes, such as when Shields wipes off her makeup in her hotel room, but one of the most impactful moments is when she’s shopping for diapers for her nephew and ends up seeing other Olympians on the cover of cereal boxes. The juxtaposition of Shield’s status at this point of the film compared to the other Olympians gaining wealth and fame is heartbreaking, and feels like a punch to the gut, showing the struggles Shields was faced with and the eventual build up to her visit to the pawn shop. Meanwhile, writer Barry Jenkins, who co-wrote the 2016 Best Picture Oscar winner “Moonlight,” continues to craft deeply emotional stories about lives rarely seen in cinema. Jenkins conveys both films with a similar emotional depth and evokes the same emotions in the scenes to the viewers.
Actor Brian Tyree Henry delivers an outstanding performance as a man balancing the roles of coach and father figure to Shields, echoing his portrayal of Phastos in 2021’s “Eternals,” where he played an immortal struggling with his duty to the world and his devotion to his family. His role also contributes to the film’s emotional weight by exhibiting the life of Crutchfield, who has one foot in sports and the other back at home, showing how one part of his life affects the other. He doesn’t get paid for being Claressa’s agent and still has to work to support his family. He is also unable to support Claressa at the Olympic qualifiers due to not being an authorized coach, showing the ripple effects of Shield’s success and how it affects people in and out of the ring.
Adding depth with creative liberties
Although “The Fire Inside” is based on the true story of Shields’ life, certain liberties were taken. According to TIME, Shields did not attempt to pawn her medal but instead locked it in a safe, contemplating whether to dispose of it. In contrast, the film portrays her considering throwing her medal into the Flint River rather than pawning it. This creative choice adds depth to her struggles and her evolving relationship with her family.
Despite these minor alterations, the film has received positive reviews from both critics and audiences. Critics have praised the emotional bond between Shields and Crutchfield, as well as the athletes’ overlooked and unseen struggles. Audiences have connected with the realistic storyline and its inspiring themes. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 93% rating from critics and a 95% rating from the audience. The film also performed well at the box office, grossing $1.96 million on its opening weekend in the U.S. and $8.09 million overall, according to IMDb.
Packing a lasting punch
Overall, “The Fire Inside” stands out for its honest portrayal of Shield’s struggles and triumphs. Its compelling story not only inspires but also challenges societal perceptions of women in sports, making it a must-see film for anyone seeking motivation or insight into the world of competitive athletics.
Fans of sports and motivational films will enjoy this film, as it features action-packed scenes and explores themes of persistence and resilience. It will also appeal to those who enjoy traditional hero stories, as it incorporates several well-known tropes and storylines. Like a great fight, it delivers powerful moments that stay with you long after the final bell.
