Sydney Sweeney apparently has great jeans, but what she also has is some serious acting chops.
While Sweeney was the face of a major controversy with her July 23 American Eagle ad, which featured the tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” she is back in the headlines in November, this time for her role as professional boxer Christy Salters in the biographical sports drama “Christy.”
Directed by David Michôd, “Christy” covers the story of the former professional boxer, boxing analyst and motivational speaker. Taking on the role of Salters may not have been an easy task for Sweeney, as she was not only going to portray the role of the International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, but also that of a lesbian woman who has dealt with emotional abuse, physical abuse and addiction throughout her life.
To say Sweeney knocked the role out would be an understatement.
What is ‘Christy’ about?
“Christy” begins in 1989, with Christy Salters (Sweeney) winning a “Toughwoman” contes. Salters, a basketball player, is then approached to train with boxing coach Jim Martin (Ben Foster) and become a professional boxer.
Salters had been seeing Rosie (Jess Gabor), her teammate, to the displeasure of her mother (Merritt Wever). Eventually, the two break up, and Salters goes on to marry Martin in what appears to be a marriage of convenience rather than passion, as Salters works hard to become a great boxer
Salters’ career seems to be on an upward trajectory — she is doing interviews, making more money, getting more press. Then the pressure, abuse, drugs, stealing and unsolicited photos and videos taken of her by her husband come into the picture and Salters begins to fear for her safety.
Sydney Sweeney knows how to throw a punch, or two
Sydney Sweeney plays Christy Salters in “Christy,” in theaters Nov. 7.
Although the actress has been heavily sexualized in the past, this role seems to take a step away from that, giving her more of a “butch” look as she takes on the daunting task of playing accomplished athlete Salters.
“Christy” opens up with Sweeney donning a burgundy Dr Pepper shirt that says “Just what the Dr ordered!” She’s in the middle of a boxing ring with blue headgear, black gloves and this intense, intimidating look on her face.
It’s hard not to take her seriously within the first few minutes as her signature blonde locks are replaced with a short, wavy brunette hairstyle and a Southern accent slips out of her lips. Despite growing up in the Pacific Northwest, this Southern accent doesn’t seem out of place, and neither does Sweeney.
Sweeney looks tough as she takes punches and dishes them out.
Sweeney stepping outside her popular roles as a rude, blonde teenager in “White Lotus” and “Euphoria” shows just how dynamic she is as an actress. Her range is the highlight of this film, which occasionally fell short when diving into more serious themes and dragged a bit in the middle.
That said, “Christy” is worth watching, if only to see an almost unrecognizable Sweeney flex her acting muscles.
‘Christy’ 4 stars
Great ★★★★★ Good ★★★★
Fair ★★★ Bad ★★ Bomb ★
Director: David Michôd
Cast: Sydney Sweeney, Coleman Pedigo, Merritt Wever.
Rating: Rated R for language, violence/bloody images, some drug use and sexual material.
How to watch: In theaters Friday, Nov. 7.
Do you have a tip or a question you need answered? Reach the reporter at dina.kaur@arizonarepublic.com. Follow @dina_kaur on X, formerly known as Twitter, and on Instagram @dina_kaur.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ‘Christy’ doesn’t pull punches telling the pro boxer’s story
