Claressa Shields Biopic Triumphs, Breaking Sports Film Stereotypes
The biopic of Claressa Shields, starring Ryan Destiny, breaks new ground in sports storytelling, showcasing her inspiring journey in boxing.
Claressa Shields, Ryan Destiny, Flint, Michigan, Boxing, The Fire Inside
Flint: Claressa Shields is a boxing legend, but she hasn’t always gotten the spotlight she deserves. Her journey is beautifully captured in the upcoming film, The Fire Inside, which hits theaters on December 25. Directed by Rachel Morrison, known for her work on Black Panther, the film features Ryan Destiny as Shields.
The story kicks off with a young Claressa in Flint, searching for a boxing coach in a gym that typically doesn’t train girls. Thankfully, Jason Crutchfield, played by Brian Tyree Henry, steps up to mentor her. Boxing becomes her escape from a tough home life, especially after her mother kicks her out.
As Claressa trains, the film not only showcases her international fights but also highlights her relationship with Crutchfield and the challenges women face in sports.
One standout feature of The Fire Inside is how it uses boxing matches to tell Claressa’s story. Each fight is tied to a significant moment in her life, making them feel meaningful rather than just action scenes.
Director Morrison wanted to avoid “fight fatigue” and focused on making each match unique. She aimed to show Claressa’s skills without getting bogged down by the opponents.
Destiny, who plays Shields, really immersed herself in the role. She connected with Claressa and studied her boxing style to deliver an authentic performance.
There’s a powerful moment in the film where Shields confronts the expectations placed on female athletes. She continues to advocate for equal pay for women in sports, which is still a hot topic today.
Filming took place mainly in Toronto, but Morrison insisted on capturing Flint’s essence by shooting some scenes there. She wanted to portray the city’s pride and grit accurately.
Overall, The Fire Inside promises to be an inspiring and emotional journey, shedding light on Claressa Shields’ incredible story and the fight for equality in sports.