Brian Tyree Henry shines in ‘The Fire Inside’: A cinematic triumph
A new contender in the boxing drama genre
Following in the footsteps of iconic boxing coaches like Paul Giamatti in Cinderella Man and Burgess Meredith in Rocky, Brian Tyree Henry delivers a standout performance as Jason Crutchfield in the inspirational drama The Fire Inside. This film, produced by Amazon MGM, tells the compelling story of Claressa Shields, the first female boxer to win an Olympic gold medal.
A grand debut at TIFF
The Fire Inside made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to a sold-out crowd. The film marks the directorial debut of Rachel Morrison, who previously made history as the first woman nominated for an Academy Award for cinematography with Mudbound (2017). Morrison introduced the film and later participated in a post-screening Q&A alongside producer Elishia Holmes, writer and producer Barry Jenkins, and stars Ryan Destiny and Henry. The real-life Claressa Shields and her coach, Jason Crutchfield, were also present, adding a layer of authenticity to the event.
Claressa Shields’ emotional reaction
“It was very surreal,” Shields told the audience. “I don’t know if you guys could tell, but I cried my eyes out. It was very moving and very motivating. Watching it — it’s different. I’m happy the world gets to see my story and understand who I am and why I’m the greatest woman of all time.” Her heartfelt comments were met with cheers from the crowd, underscoring the film’s emotional impact.
Brian Tyree Henry’s Oscar-worthy performance
Henry, who received his first Oscar nomination for Causeway in 2022, delivers a performance full of wisdom and introspection. During the screening, he earned at least two rounds of applause. With a relatively thin field in this year’s supporting actor race, Henry could be a strong contender. His portrayal of Crutchfield is nuanced and deeply affecting, capturing the essence of a coach who believes in his protégé against all odds.
A script that goes beyond sports
Barry Jenkins, who won an Oscar for adapted screenplay for the best picture winner Moonlight, writes a layered script that goes beyond Shields’ athletic accomplishments. The film addresses the challenges she faced after winning her medal, tackling issues like pay inequality and gender discrimination in sports. This deeper narrative adds a rich context to the story, making it more than just a sports drama.
Rachel Morrison’s directorial debut
For Morrison, The Fire Inside is a compelling filmmaker debut. She stands as one of the few women expected to be in the running for best director this awards season. At a minimum, there’s a strong chance she will be among the five nominees for the Directors Guild of America’s award for best first-time directing. Her direction brings a fresh perspective to the genre, blending emotional depth with visual storytelling.
Ryan Destiny’s breakout performance
Newcomer Ryan Destiny shines in her portrayal of Shields, delivering a physical and fierce performance that recalls the breakout energy of Lauryn Hill in Sister Act 2 — minus the music. Destiny’s work could lead to numerous breakthrough citations this season. Her portrayal is both powerful and vulnerable, capturing the complexities of Shields’ journey.
A potential crowd-pleaser
The Fire Inside is poised to be a crowd-pleaser and could emerge as one of the top contenders for TIFF’s coveted People’s Choice Award. However, its success will depend on the reception of other films debuting throughout the fest, such as Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night or the musical Emilia Perez. The film’s December 25 theatrical release by Amazon MGM Studios positions it well for awards season.
Watch the trailer
For those eager to get a glimpse of this cinematic gem, you can watch the trailer for The Fire Inside here.
The Fire Inside is more than just a sports drama; it’s a story of resilience, determination, and the fight for equality. With stellar performances, a compelling script, and masterful direction, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in cinema.