The Fire Inside, directed by Rachel Morrison in her feature debut, aims to capture the journey of Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, the trailblazing boxer who made history at the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics. With Ryan Destiny leading the cast and Brian Tyree Henry playing a supporting role, the film has all the elements of a biographical sports drama that should inspire, but its execution leaves something to be desired.
First and foremost, the film is good. It’s well-acted, with Ryan Destiny delivering a commendable performance as Claressa Shields. For Destiny, this role has the potential to elevate her career beyond her work in Star and A Girl Like Grace. She convincingly embodies Shields’ determination and grit, while Brian Tyree Henry shines as her coach and mentor, bringing depth to their onscreen relationship. The direction by Rachel Morrison and the writing by Barry Jenkins are solid, and the production quality matches what you’d expect from a biographical drama.
However, while the film is good, it doesn’t quite achieve greatness, which feels like a disservice to Claressa Shields’ phenomenal legacy. Shields’ real-life story is extraordinary—she’s a two-time Olympic gold medalist, undefeated in her professional career, one of only four boxers in history, female or male, to hold all four major world titles in boxing—WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO, in two weight classes, and a fierce advocate for equal pay in women’s sports. Yet the film doesn’t fully capture the “fire inside” her, opting instead for a cookie-cutter, paint-by-numbers approach to storytelling.
The movie feels more like an overview of her accomplishments than an intimate portrayal of her struggles, triumphs, and the groundbreaking impact she’s had on women’s boxing. It leaves you curious about Shields but not inspired by the film itself. While her real-life stats are jaw-dropping, the narrative fails to translate that energy onto the screen.
The film touches on the uphill battle women in sports face, but it doesn’t delve deep enough into Shields’ role in challenging these barriers. Women in boxing—like many other sports—still struggle for recognition and equity. Claressa Shields has done monumental work in shining a spotlight on women’s boxing, yet the film misses an opportunity to make her journey feel revolutionary.
When compared to other films about sports icons, The Fire Inside doesn’t leave the lasting impression that movies like King Richard or 42 did. Instead, it feels more like a Lifetime movie version of Shields’ life, which is disappointing given her stature as the greatest of all time in her field.
The Fire Inside is worth a watch, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Claressa Shields and her story. It’s a well-made film with good acting and direction, but it doesn’t match the greatness of its subject. Shields is an extraordinary athlete whose life deserves a film that fully encapsulates her impact and legacy. Unfortunately, this isn’t it.
That said, the film may resonate differently with others. Have you seen it? Let’s talk about it in the comments—because Claressa Shields’ story is definitely one we should keep discussing, even if this movie isn’t the one to spark that fire.