“The Fire Inside” celebrates boxer Claressa Shields' grit and talent

Some rare, remarkable real-life stories deserve cinematic dramatization. In that esteemed group is first-time director Rachel Morrison's "The Fire Inside." Written and co-produced by the award-winning Barry Jenkins ("Moonlight" 2016, "If Beale Street Could Talk" 2018), the inspirational story captures the talent and grit of American boxer Claressa "T-Rex" Shields as she trains for the 2012 London Olympics.

Of critical importance to Shields, her knowledgeable coach Jason Crutchfield guides her physical and emotional development. He recognizes Claressa's fight and understands her personal battles as well. Growing up poor in Flint, Michigan, a high-school junior in a volatile home situation, Claressa, by her own proud admission, likes to hit people, understandably. Her mother is too self-centered, even cruel, to support Claressa. Her father is in prison, and, after release, poses more problems for Claressa's success than during his incarceration. And the Shanghai Olympic trials prove catastrophically unnerving without Jason, who can't afford the trip on a security guard's salary. Money matters.

Nevertheless, determination, grit, and Crutchfield's wise mentoring propel T-Rex to the first American woman's boxing gold medal ever. More astonishing, she repeated that phenomenal achievement in the Rio Olympics four years later. But that's just the first half of the film as Claressa faces greater, more discouraging challenges outside the ring. Inspired by the documentary "T-Rex" cataloguing Claressa's dazzling success, "The Fire Inside" adds context to the 2010s racism and sexism, both of which she faces head on. For even after her phenomenal Olympics' wins, endorsements failed to materialize, primarily because she's Black and a female boxer. This   

As the adult Claressa, Ryan Destiny delivers intense ferocity. Equally important and impressive, Brian Tyree Henry as coach Jason Crutchfield complements her with his measured, mature, sensitive empathy. Technically, director Morrison showcases her cinematography expertise as she did in her work on "Fruitvale Station," "Mudbound," and "Black Panther." Morrison palpably communicates the drab, hard scrabble world of home and gym locations: the smell of the ring, the kitchen, the dreary Flint weather, and the joy of fierce competition. Finally, in "The Fire Inside," Claressa T-Rex Shields is receiving a deserved celebration of her indomitable spirit. "The Fire Inside" is at cinemas beginning December 25. Check listings.