Everything to know about the boxing biopic

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After a summer of rough headlines, Sydney Sweeney finally has some good news.

Following Friday’s premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, the actress’ new film, Christy, is earning praise from critics. Her raw performance as boxer Christy Martin is being hailed as “spectacular” and “the most mature and compelling work of her career.” Will the two-time Emmy nominee (Euphoria and The White Lotus), be able to stay in the fight for the Oscar?

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WHAT’S THE PLOT?

A biopic about boxer Christy Martin tracing her journey from a rising star in the late 1980s to becoming the face of women’s boxing in the 1990s. The film also explores the darker side of her story, which involved years of abuse by her husband and former trainer, Jim Martin, culminating in a violent attempt on her life in 2010. Jim was later convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison, where he died in 2024.

WHO’S IN THE CAST?

Ben Foster plays Christy’s abusive husband, and the ensemble includes Katy O’Brian as Lisa Holewyne, Christy’s former rival and later lover, Merritt Wever as Christy’s mother, and Chad L. Coleman as boxing promoter Don King.

WHO ELSE IS BEHIND THE FILM?

The film is directed by David Michôd and written by Katherine Fugate, Mirrah Foulkes, and Michôd. The producing team includes Michôd, Sweeney, Kerry Kohansky-Roberts, Justin Lothrop, Brent Stiefel, and Teddy Schwarzman.

WHEN IS THE RELEASE DATE?

Black Bear Pictures will release the film on Nov. 7.

WHAT ARE ITS OSCAR CHANCES?

Given the strong buzz surrounding Sweeney’s performance, the actress is emerging as a contender in the Best Actress race. While she currently ranks 21st in the early Gold Derby odds, that position could rise following the film’s well-received premiere at Toronto and its recent acquisition by Black Bear Pictures. The Nov. 7 release date — squarely within the heart of awards season — signals that a strategic campaign is likely in the works. Mixed reviews of the overall film may hurt her chances, but reviewers all agree Sweeney, who trained for three months with a boxing coach prior to filming, gives a knockout performance.