
The Fire Inside
6.7
93%
76
7.3
A determined Flint, Michigan girl battles gender barriers and a difficult home life to become the first American woman to win Olympic boxing gold.
Ember's analysis
- MoodBright
- EnergyEnergetic
- PacingMeasured
- IntensityModerate
- ComplexityEasy to follow
- ViolenceMild
More about the film
Overview
Claressa Shields, a high school junior from Flint, Michigan, aided by her tough-love coach, Jason Crutchfield, pushes past all limitations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. But even at the pinnacle of success, Claressa has to reckon with the fact that not all dreams are created equal, and the real fight has only just begun.
What critics said
Critics praise Ryan Destiny's committed lead performance and the film's grounded, inspiring portrayal of Claressa Shields' rise from Flint to Olympic gold, while noting its familiar biopic structure.
What sets it apart
- the plot follows Claressa Shields from childhood gym-running through Olympic gold, emphasizing personal obstacles
- Claressa is told she cannot train with the boys and must prove herself to Coach Jason Crutchfield
Films like The Fire Inside, and why
- Million Dollar Babyshared underdog sports biopic tone and grounded inner-city perseverance
- Girlfightshared coming-of-age boxing drama with a determined young woman fighting for recognition
- Cinderella Manshared inspirational sports biography arc of a working-class athlete overcoming institutional obstacles
Movie Details
- Director
- Rachel Morrison
- Release Date
- 2024-12-16
- Runtime
- 109 min
- Rating
- 7.3 / 10 (82)
Common questions
- What is The Fire Inside about?
- A determined Flint, Michigan girl battles gender barriers and a difficult home life to become the first American woman to win Olympic boxing gold.
- What is The Fire Inside like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Fire Inside as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Fire Inside violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Fire Inside as mild.
- What did critics think of The Fire Inside?
- Critics praise Ryan Destiny's committed lead performance and the film's grounded, inspiring portrayal of Claressa Shields' rise from Flint to Olympic gold, while noting its familiar biopic structure.
- Which films are like The Fire Inside?
- Films with a similar feel include Million Dollar Baby, Girlfight, and Cinderella Man.
- How long is The Fire Inside?
- The Fire Inside runs 109 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Fire Inside?
- In United States, The Fire Inside streams on Amazon Prime Video, MGM+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
Cast
- Rachel MorrisonDirector
- Ryan DestinyClaressa 'T-Rex' Shields
- Brian Tyree HenryJason Crutchfield
- Oluniké AdeliyiJackie Shields
- Kylee D. AllenYoung Claressa (Running)
- Emmanuel IgbokeUSA Team Officer
- Lanette WareCoach Parker
- Amanda BarkerFemale Clerk
- De'Adre AzizaMickey
- Adam ClarkClarence
- Jessica GrossiTeam USA Teammate




















