Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Powerful boxing biopic spotlights resilience and inequity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Fire Inside
What's the Story?
THE FIRE INSIDE, directed by Rachel Morrison and based on a screenplay by Barry Jenkins, tells the inspiring story of Claressa "T-Rex" Shields, a quiet girl from Flint, Michigan, who trains alongside boys at a local boxing gym and rises to become a two-time gold medalist. With the steadfast support of her coach, Jason Crutchfield (Brian Tyree Henry), Claressa (Ryan Destiny) reaches the Olympics at just 17. But she soon learns that hard work and victory don't guarantee financial stability—or recognition beyond her community and devoted fans. Facing the challenge of supporting her struggling family, Claressa must choose between fighting for change or walking away from the sport she loves.
Is It Any Good?
This powerful, insightful biopic shines a spotlight on a remarkable athlete who deserves to be a household name. Jenkins' thoughtful script for The Fire Inside avoids the cliché of a climactic, Rocky-style bout, instead focusing on the far tougher battles Claressa faces at home. Destiny delivers a standout performance as the young boxer—the only U.S. boxer to win two consecutive Olympic gold medals. Despite this historic achievement, Claressa remains far less recognized than gymnasts, swimmers, and runners with similar accolades. In one searing moment, when a boxing official asks whether she's seeking money or recognition, Claressa delivers a gut-punch response: "Isn't it the same thing?"
The film also thrives on the chemistry between Destiny and Henry, a gifted character actor who proves he deserves more leading roles. And director Rachel Morrison, a trailblazer herself as the first woman nominated for an Oscar in cinematography (Mudbound), makes a confident feature debut. She skillfully explores themes of class, race, community, and inequity, elevating what could have been a conventional sports biopic. While the movie's boxing scenes are significant, they're just one part of a larger story. This moving drama is a poignant reminder of how much work remains to support women and girls in underfunded sports.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether they consider Claressa a role model in The Fire Inside. What character strengths does she display while remaining a believable teenager/young adult?
What does the movie make you think about Olympic medalists and how they're treated? Why do some Olympians and athletes become millionaires while others can barely pay the rent?
Discuss the coach-athlete bond between Claressa and Jason. How does it compare to other coach-athlete relationships?
Why is Claressa's hometown of Flint, Mich., so important to the story? What do you know about Flint?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 25, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : January 28, 2025
- Cast : Ryan Destiny , Brian Tyree Henry
- Director : Rachel Morrison
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Lesbian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Amazon MGM Studios
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some strong language, thematic elements, and brief suggestive material
- Awards : Common Sense Selection , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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