Is ‘Christy’ Sydney Sweeney’s breakthrough as a dramatic leading actress

Highlights:

• Sydney Sweeney plays pioneering boxer Christy Martin in upcoming biopic Christy
  
  
• Film portrays Martin’s rise in the ring alongside struggles with misogyny and domestic violence
  
• Directed by David Michôd, the movie opens in theaters on November 7
  
• Cast includes Ben Foster, Katy O’Brian, Merritt Wever, Ethan Embry, and Tony Cavalero
  

Trailer introduces Sweeney as Christy Martin

The first trailer for Christy has been released, showcasing Sydney Sweeney as legendary boxer Christy Martin. The biopic highlights Martin’s path to becoming a world champion, her battles inside the ring, and her turbulent personal life.

In an early scene, promoter Don King (played by Chad L. Coleman) notes her reputation for wearing pink gear in fights — a detail that helped shape her image as she broke barriers in a male-dominated sport.

Story of success and struggle

The film explores Martin’s public triumphs and her private struggles, particularly her abusive relationship with trainer-turned-husband Jim Martin, played by Ben Foster. The trailer shows scenes of intimidation, emotional manipulation, and Martin’s fight to reclaim her independence.

Lines such as, “It’s my house. It’s my things. It’s my home,” capture the fighter’s determination to stand her ground beyond the ring.

Release details and cast

Directed by David Michôd, Christy will be released in US theaters on November 7. Alongside Sweeney and Foster, the film features Katy O’Brian, Merritt Wever, Ethan Embry, and Tony Cavalero.

- YouTube YouTube/ Elevation Pictures

Early reactions

Rolling Stone critic David Fear praised Sweeney’s performance, noting that her portrayal alternates between visible craft and the raw physicality of “a fighter throwing wicked haymakers in the ring and battling twice as hard to survive outside of it.”

Context and controversy

The trailer’s release comes after Sweeney faced criticism for a recent ad campaign with American Eagle, which drew controversy online. Ahead of Christy’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, Sweeney told Vanity Fair she remains focused on the film:
“The movie’s about Christy, and that’s what I’ll be there to talk about.”