
BRUISED
Starring: Halle Berry, Danny Boyd Jr., Adan Canto, Sheila Atim, Adriane Lenox, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Shamier Anderson
Director: Halle Berry

PAIGE

Bruised is a film that uses the predictable and formulaic beats of a fighter’s comeback story, and one of the film’s best punches comes from the fight choreography. Halle Berry’s impressive work on both sides of the camera as the film’s lead and director (her debut) is also notable. Unfortunately, the script could have used a punch up, as you’re knocked down by cliche after cliche and the sheer volume of story. It’ll leave you wishing the film was a little bit more original. Sadly, Bruised barely leaves a mark on you.

JACOB

With Bruised, Halle Berry proves herself a capable action star, but also demonstrates that she may need a few more rounds before becoming a notable director. The filmmaking is competent enough, but there’s not much of a voice to be found or point being made that audiences will find unique. We’ve seen this kind of “fighter bounces back” film before and we’ll see it again, complete with the underdeveloped subplots and six training montages that mark this one’s entire runtime. It’s not the worst of Netflix’s releases this year by a stretch, but it’s certainly not one of its greats.