The Fire Inside -- Morrison Delivers a Total Knockout

By Borja Izuzquiza

A title card solely featuring movies centered around boxing would more than likely go into the next day. Each of these would provide the typical jabs, uppercuts, and hooks with the hope that one of the moves will land a much-anticipated knockout. As it were, boxing movies ultimately rely on decisions to be determined a winner. The latest to climb into the quadrilateral, The Fire Inside, delivers a bout worthy of a unanimous decision.
 
After having been the first woman to receive an Academy Award nomination for best cinematography on Mudbound, Rachel Morrison assumes new challenges by stepping into the director’s chair for the boxing film. The trailblazing narrative between her achievements and that of the film’s subject Claressa Shields (Ryan Destiny), run parallel, as both find success in typically male dominated worlds.
 
For Shields, the challenges of “making it” in the sport of boxing where misogyny runs rampant not just within the sport, but also exist because of external expectations, is exacerbated by a difficult comeuppance in Flint, Michigan. With the tutelage of her coach and former boxer Jason Crutchfield (Brian Tyree Henry), Shields faces the whirlwind of obstacles stacked against her.
 
Additionally, the commentary surrounding the role and expectation for women in sports is loud and resounding. Shields is expected to act nice, dress sexy, and take less money than her male counterparts for equally if not more substantial and successful work. Halfway through, Shields accomplishes what she believes is her ultimate purpose, expecting her fortunes and those of her family to change for the better.
 
At first, the anticipated results do not materialize for Shields, leading her to reassess her position. With this introspection, the film uses these moments to tack on added layers concerning the meaning of success not just in life, but in sport where supposed greatness is measured and recognized by accolades and achievements. Therefore, this perspective makes The Fire Inside one of the few “sports” movies that offers views on the politics and purpose of sport as it relates to female participation.

Morrison’s vision for exploring Shield’s rise is clear. Visually, her cinematography background manifests as her experience undoubtedly influences the already unique work of cinematographer Rina Yang. Shields worldly experiences are exemplified in moments where the gritty Flint surroundings are juxtaposed with the bright and sprawling Beijing skyline. Furthermore, the grittiness is reflected in the boxing matches as well, as they avoid feeling excessively choreographed in favor of an in-your-face brutal approach.
 
In her direction, Morrison makes the most of Barry Jenkins’ tightly composed script to elevate Shield’s plight. The director adeptly grounds Shield’s experience throughout, helping the struggle resonate deeply. Ryan Destiny also delivers an exceptional portrayal of the athlete as she balances the unrelenting will of a boxer with a firm grasp of her destiny against the helplessness of a teenage girl when faced with the truths of her harsh reality back home. Destiny along with Henry also succeeds in developing a heartfelt and fiery relationship that borders on father/daughter dynamics to drive home the story’s emotional crux.
 
Having found her voice as a cinematographer, Morrison exhibits an already expert directorial output even for a debut. As the bout nears its conclusion it becomes evident that the judge’s decision will ultimately be rendered unnecessary, as The Fire Inside delivers a total knockout.

The Fire Inside is in theaters now.  

Rating: 4/5