The Fire Inside tells the true story of U.S. boxing legend, Claressa Shields, who deserves more flowers and accolades – like this film. The film showcases outstanding, award-winning performances and emphasizes the added hurdle of misogynoir that Shields had to face. It’s set in Flint, Michigan, well known for its (ongoing!) battle to get clean water. But Flint also has a boxer who achieved something no U.S. boxer has.
The Fire Inside is a wondrous, moving, and uplifting story that refrains from glamorizing a struggle that doesn’t need to occur. It’s written by Barry Jenkins (If Beale Street Could Talk, Moonlight) and directed by Rachel Morrison, making her directorial feature debut. Morrison worked on films like Fruitvale Station and Black Panther with Ryan Coogler as cinematographer. So, it’s easy to see how she immerses audiences in realism, capturing the emotional struggles within Black, impoverished communities while highlighting how a sense of community and support resonates.
The Fire Inside Shows the Work Twice as Hard
Ryan Destiny makes her feature debut as Claressa Shields, a young boxer striving to get to the Olympics (and then podium). Based on a true story, Claressa ultimately wins two gold medals at back-to-back Olympics, setting a record for the U.S. The film depicts the boxer’s struggle to get there while balancing economic hardship. It highlights the way society tells people to achieve x and y, then they’ll get z.
But a Black woman or girl’s successes do not open up opportunities akin to a white woman (let alone a white guy). It’s why Viola Davis’ monumental achievements, although comparable to notable white actresses, have not translated to Hollywood clamoring at her door. Now imagine a teenager facing that same lack of opportunity, which becomes more egregious when you weigh things like texturism and featurism. Without getting heavy-handed, The Fire Inside shows the blatant discrimination and prejudice Shields faced, compellingly capturing the injustice of it all.
Capturing the Challenges and Frustrations Without Glamorizing Them
Often, when films show someone triumphing in the face of racism or sexism, people cheer. The heroes succeed “by pulling themselves up by their bootstraps” as the old myth goes. The underdog story motivates those facing fewer roadblocks to persevere. However, The Fire Inside highlights how these obstacles should not be normal or acceptable.
Sure, the world hands us challenges. Still, those challenges should not come based on anyone’s identity. Through the cast’s performances, the film’s takeaway is less work harder and more how can we end these injustices.
That’s the sphere in which The Fire Inside resides. It’s not merely a heartwarming tale. It’s a true story of how illogical prejudice breeds unnecessary struggle.
Another outstanding aspect of the film is its attention to the Black community. It does not vilify or judge people. Instead, it presents it all – the good, the bad, and the ugly. But when Claressa heads to the Olympics, the community comes together to cheer her as proof that they have plenty to offer the world.
Award-Worthy Turn From the Cast
Ryan Destiny is sensational in The Fire Inside. She brings emotional and physical strength tempered by youthful hope and then disillusionment. Her underlying resilience as a kid forced to grow up far too soon resonates throughout the film. The conversations are seamless. She portrays the wit, boredom, and irritation that kids often show.
Balancing that is Brian Tyree Henry’s (Transformers One, Widows) performance as Claressa’s coach, Jason. As Jason coaches her from when she was a child, the dynamic between the pair shifts, becoming familial and more endearing each time they are on screen together. Brian Tyree Henry utilizes his considerable talent and delivers a nuanced performance that shows the struggle of juggling his family responsibilities with coaching and aiding Claressa.
The Fire Inside is an outstanding and necessary film, showcasing struggle and resilience while highlighting how the problems of close-minded, prejudiced people having power. The boxing is riveting, but the story behind Claressa’s success is even more so. With stellar performances that deserve recognition and awards, The Fire Inside lights up the screen as much as it lights a fire in viewers’ hearts.
