‘The Fire Inside’ Chronicles Claressa Shields’ Historic Rise and Challenges Beyond Boxing

Ryan Destiny delivers a transformative performance as the Olympic champion in a biopic that explores triumph, trauma, and resilience.

The Fire Inside, directed by Rachel Morrison and written by Barry Jenkins, tells the story of Claressa Shields, the first American woman to win Olympic gold in boxing.
Ryan Destiny, in her breakout role, underwent rigorous training to authentically portray Shields, earning critical acclaim for her performance.
The film delves into Shields’ turbulent upbringing, her unbreakable bond with coach Jason Crutchfield, and her struggles to gain recognition as a Black female athlete in a male-dominated sport.
The movie subverts traditional sports narratives by focusing on the aftermath of Shields' Olympic victory, highlighting systemic inequities and her continued fight for respect and opportunities.
Shields and Destiny collaborated closely to ensure the film’s authenticity, with Shields praising Destiny’s dedication and the film’s accurate portrayal of her life and relationships.