Overview
- The film screened at the BFI London Film Festival on Friday, where Sweeney discussed the responsibility of telling Martin’s story and her advocacy focus.
- Sweeney trained for roughly three months with boxing and weight coaches and a nutritionist, gaining about 35 pounds and filming realistic fight scenes that left her concussed.
- Critics note a shift from sports biopic to a darker study of abuse, with The Times awarding four stars and praising Sweeney’s career-best turn.
- Christy Martin was closely involved during production, and her nonprofit Christy’s Champs supporting abuse victims features in the film’s broader context.
- Following a standing ovation at TIFF and an acting honor for Sweeney at HIFF, the movie begins a global theatrical rollout on November 7.