At the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025, critics delivered mixed reviews for Christy, a 135-minute biopic of boxer Christy Martin starring Sydney Sweeney: reviewers widely praised Sweeney’s physical and emotional transformation but criticized the film’s familiar plotting and uneven third act.
Key Takeaways
- Sydney Sweeney earns consistent praise for her performance and physical transformation.
- Some critics call the 135-minute runtime overlong and repetitive.
- Major reviews compare the film’s structure to Rocky, Million Dollar Baby and Monster.
- Critical response is divided: strong lead performance, weaker overall originality.
- Christy premieres in theaters on November 7 via Black Bear.
- Producers include Kerry Kohansky-Roberts, Teddy Schwarzman, Brent Stiefel, Justin Lothrop, Justin Kurzel (Michôd referenced), and Sweeney.
Verified Facts
Deadline’s Pete Hammond described the film as overlong at 135 minutes and ultimately painful in its final act, while acknowledging that Sweeney gives a committed performance that demonstrates her range.
IndieWire’s review highlighted Sweeney’s immersion in the role, noting changes in voice, movement and presence that make her portrayal feel distinct.
The New York Post praised Sweeney as a “knockout,” framing Christy as a step beyond rom-com fare for the actor. Conversely, The Daily Beast criticized the film as derivatively mixing familiar boxing-biopic beats, even as it called Sweeney believable in the part.
TheWrap summarized the reception as a “split decision,” with the lead and the subject emerging stronger than the film itself, and The Guardian said the movie often fails to make the audience feel the full force of Christy Martin’s struggles.
Production and release details: the film is produced by Kerry Kohansky-Roberts, Teddy Schwarzman, Brent Stiefel, Justin Lothrop, Justin Kurzel (as Michôd is credited in original listings), and Sydney Sweeney. The distributor is Black Bear; theatrical release is scheduled for November 7, 2025.
Context & Impact
Christy arrives amid continued interest in sports biopics that dramatize personal and professional trauma. For Sweeney, the role represents a clear bid to transition from television and rom-com impressions into more demanding, awards-oriented work.
Critics’ split suggests the film may attract attention for performance-based awards conversation while limiting broader box-office upside if word-of-mouth centers on familiar storytelling rather than novelty.
Potential industry effects:
- Sweeney’s reputation as a serious dramatic actor could strengthen if audiences and awards voters echo critics who praised her transformation.
- The film’s derivative elements may temper awards momentum and long-term cultural impact.
Official Statements
“Sweeney disappears into the role,”
IndieWire
“Overlong (at 135 minutes), somewhat repetitive,”
Deadline (Pete Hammond)
Unconfirmed
- Box-office performance and audience reception beyond TIFF are not yet known.
- Awards nominations and festival prize outcomes remain unannounced.
Bottom Line
Christy is likely to be remembered as a performance-forward film that showcases Sydney Sweeney’s dramatic growth while falling short of reshaping the boxing-biopic template. The November 7 theatrical release will provide a clearer picture of audience response and commercial prospects.