I went into Christy having no idea what I was in for. I figured it was going to be an inspirational underdog story that focuses on female boxing and I thought I would come away from it with the motivation to keep doing what I do best. Instead, I ended up crying (several times) as I learned the true, and downright awful, story of Christy Martin (portrayed by Sydney Sweeney in the film).

While there are definitely some inspiring moments sprinkled throughout Christy in regards to her boxing career and the drive that she had to get to the top, it is the abuse that she endured that will leave viewers fired up and applauding her (as well as heartbroken and disgusted). Christy Martin was forced into becoming something that she was not. 

She was groomed from a young age by her manager and her parents not only did nothing about it, they actually pushed it to continue happening. As much as I love Ben Foster as an actor, but his portrayal of James Martin made my skin crawl from the very first moment we met him. Which was the entire point, I suppose.

He is not the only one that delivers an unforgettable performance, either. Sydney Sweeney is almost unrecognizable as Christy Martin for the majority of the movie. Honestly, I really appreciated that they covered her body up for the most part as well. Her looks could have easily been put on display in order to draw in certain viewers, but that was never done, which in turn respects the real Christy and her story so much more. This decision allows audiences to pay more attention to the story being told. 

Sweeney gives a career best performance. Sure, we have seen her emotional side in other projects, especially in Euphoria, but it is the grit and determination, as well as the heart, that she brings to Christy that makes this film as special as it is. It is not easy for people to sit through a movie that is so dark, so depressing, and so difficult to get through, but Sweeney makes Christy more than worth the watch. 

If you do not yet know the story of Christy Martin, I suggest waiting to look it up until you watch this film. There is one point where things take a turn and it feels so wild and crazy, that you will be shocked when you realize it is not exaggerated at all. It is truly a jaw on the floor, tears streaming down your face type of third act, and going in as blind as possible will only make it that much more powerful. That said, knowing the true story will not take away from that particular scene, because it so well done in terms of acting, cinematography, and score choices. It is truly gut-wrenching.

Probably the only real drawback of Christy is how unlikable the main character can be at times. She is crass and verbally abusive herself, although that comes with the territory of promoting boxing matches. She seems like a completely different person when she is the ring, or talking to press, than when she is behind closed doors or during the more intimate moments. She has a big personality, and there is nothing wrong with that, but when she slanders other boxers and calls them horrible names, it can be hard to root for her. That said, it is very clearly a persona and does not warrant what she went through at all – no one deserves to be treated that way. It very much seemed like a defense mechanism considering what she was going through at home with Jim. 

Overall, Christy is a powerful movie with dark and heavy themes of abuse. It proves that even if it seems like someone who is in the limelight has it all together, and has a life others would want, that is not always the case. Sydney Sweeney delivers her best performance to date and deserves recognition this awards season. But don’t take my word for it, go see Christy when it hits theaters on November 7th, 2025.