TORONTO — Themes of triumph and resilience starred at the Toronto International FIlm Festival earlier this month as it showcased a parade of compelling works by Black creatives.
“The Fire Inside” and “Unstoppable” were two films that personified those themes.
Both motion pictures draw inspiration from people in the real world who triumphed over seemingly insurmountable challenges.
“The Fire Inside” is the real-life story of boxer and mixed martial artist Claressa “T-Rex” Shields as she trained for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Ryan Destiny stars as Claressa Shields, and Brian Tyree Henry plays Jason Crutchfield, Shields’ trainer. This is the feature directorial debut by Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Rachel Morrison, with Academy Award-winner Barry Jenkins penning the screenplay.
What makes this story so unique and important is that the community doesn’t get many movies about young Black girls from lower-class neighborhoods overcoming adversity.
Actress Destiny is rising to fame in real life through her role in the Fox show “Star,” and she delivers a career-defining performance as Shields. The film introduces Shields as she navigates a chaotic home environment. Her mother, Jackie Shields (played by Oluniké Adeliyi), lacks employment and surrounds herself with irresponsible partygoers. Amid the turmoil, the younger Shields finds solace in boxing. Trainer Jason Crutchfield is aware of her difficult home life and allows her to seek refuge at the boxing gym, a haven for many youths in the neighborhood.
“The Fire Inside” stands out by portraying not only Clarissa Shield’s physical transformation but also the emotional hurdles she faces as she tries to rise above her circumstances. The film delves into her tumultuous home life to give viewers a deeper understanding of her personal struggles. Boxing serves as a coping mechanism for Shields, who has little concern for societal expectations due to her overwhelming responsibilities. Her talent offers her sole hope for a brighter future. The film also explores the story of Flint, Michigan—a city plagued by the loss of industry, as are many other American cities.
The audience sees Shields rise to success despite a lack of role models and no clear path. She is the sole female boxer in her gym and the only person in her neighborhood brave enough to dream beyond the harsh city’s limitations.
This film empowers young women who dare to pursue their dreams despite formidable obstacles, and challenging the notion that underprivileged individuals lack work ethic or moral fiber. It dispels the misconception that poverty and indecency are synonymous, emphasizing that determination and resilience can lead to significant achievements.
Much like “The Fire Inside,” “Unstoppable” is another cinematic exploration of triumph over adversity. Actor Jharrel Jerome, who came to prominence in Ava DuVernay’s “When They See Us” in his Emmy-winning turn as Exonerated Five member Korey Wise, is back with another compelling role. This time he takes on the real-life story of NCAA wrestling champion Anthony Robles.
Robles was born with only one leg and lacked a stump to attach a prosthetic limb. Undeterred, Robles dedicated himself to working around his missing limb, strengthening his body through exercise and determined to overcome his physical challenge.
Like Shields, Robles faces a troubled home life. His mother, Judy Robles, has the misfortune of being married to an abusive and unfaithful man. Jennifer Lopez portrays Judy Robles, a woman who, while showering her son with love, struggles to extend that same love to herself. This creates an environment of fear and emotional compartmentalization. The younger Robles’ stepfather ridicules Robles’ aspirations of securing a wrestling scholarship, and constantly reminds him that his presence in the home is merely a default, devoid of genuine care.
Robles transforms his father’s harshness into his fuel for success. He defies his disability, showcasing remarkable adaptability. His story resonates because he dared to dream, inspired by the world’s message that mere contentment with a seat at the table was insufficient.
Shields and Robles, while talented, need help to reach their goals. Both athletes had exceptional mentors. For Shields, it was Jason Crutchfield. During the day, he worked as a cable operator, while at night, he transformed into a boxing coach. His background allowed him to comprehend the challenges faced by the kids, so he established an environment that fostered safety and provided opportunities.
In Robles’ case, that support came from his high school wrestling coach, Bobby Williams (Michael Peña), and later his college coach Sean Charles (Don Cheadle).
Both “Shields” and “Robles” had mothers who faced formidable parenting challenges. Despite their love for their children, they lacked the essential resources to establish a stable home environment. Thus, their path to success became more arduous as they felt obligated to stay home to safeguard their younger siblings from neglect and potential harm. This decision further complicated their already demanding circumstances, adding an extra layer of complexity to their lives.
While some may criticize the films for their formulaic nature, it is crucial to acknowledge that individuals from similar backgrounds will find representation in these movies. More importantly, these films offer a sense of hope, demonstrating that overcoming significant obstacles is possible.
“The Fire Inside” comes to theaters on Christmas Day.
“Unstoppable” comes to theaters Dec. 6.
