
THE FIRE INSIDE
Starring: Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry
Director: Rachel Morrison

NICK

The Fire Inside is a typical sports biopic (albeit with above average cinematography) until it becomes so much more. It’s about the struggle female athletes have to manage alongside their male counterparts. It’s about self worth. It’s about another great supporting turn from Brian Tyree Henry (it’s about time someone lets this man lead his own film). That said, it’s newcomer Ryan Destiny who truly takes center stage, telling Claressa Shields’ story with authenticity and poise. It seems director Rachel Morrison’s career change was a good call (originally a cinematographer) because The Fire Inside surpassed all expectations.

ADRIANO

I didn't think I'd dig The Fire Inside, but I did. In her debut, Rachel Morrison shows she has a great directorial eye, as the film is excellently shot, especially the fantastic and kinetic boxing sequences. Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry are both incredible, too. In the first half, while some beats were familiar, it felt more realized than your average Coach Carter ripoff; then the back half made me remember that this was written by Barry Jenkins. Its position shifts to become an engaging and interesting film. The Fire Inside isn't groundbreaking, but I was pleasantly surprised.

AMARÚ

The Fire Inside reminded me that there is always space for inspirational sports movies. Rousing performances from Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry drive recognizable beats to a well-choreographed main event from director Rachel Morrison, but it’s what comes next that’s really special. We never actually see what happens after the final fight, and the financial and social realities outside the ring that are spotlighted give powerful insight on what’s really important - money isn’t everything, but money is recognition, and recognition is deserved for those who earn it. Destiny, Henry, and Morrison prove that point with nuance, honesty, and earned emotion.
This film was reviewed by Nick and Adriano as part of Bitesize Breakdown's coverage of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.