Overview
- The film follows Sykes as Cheryl “No Mercy” Stewart, a recovering alcoholic trainer who tries to guide her estranged boxer son.
- Miller directed and co-wrote the drama with Anita M. Cal and personally persuaded Sykes to take the role.
- Sykes trained extensively before filming, beginning at Los Angeles’ Wild Card Boxing gym and learning mitt work to play a trainer convincingly.
- Production took place in Puerto Rico, where Sykes said the heat posed challenges for both boxing scenes and dramatic work.
- Early reviews are tepid: the Boston Globe gave 2½ stars, praising Sykes even as it faulted the boxing and pacing, while RogerEbert.com criticized the script and found Sykes’ performance unconvincing.