Can Sydney Sweeney’s “Christy” Transformation Save Her Public Image?

Written by Avery Melhado. Photo by Miha Palancha.

If there’s one person the press loves to talk about, it’s Sydney Sweeney. From the rumors about her relationship with co-star Glen Powell to the controversy around her recent eugenics-coded American Eagle Jeans ad, Sweeney’s name has been circulating through the press since her 2019 breakout role in “Euphoria.” It is undeniable, however, that Sweeney is making waves in the acting scene, and her new film “Christy” might just be what takes her to the next level. 

“Christy” is a biopic about female boxer Christy Martin. Directed by David Michôd, the film explores the struggles and successes of the athlete who put her sport on the map. Themes of domestic violence, as well as queerness and acceptance, play a large role in the story of Martin’s life. Martin is fiery and full of courage both in and outside of the boxing ring as we see her make a life for herself, and subsequently fight to reclaim it. 

Sydney Sweeney stars in the film alongside Ben Foster (playing Martin’s husband and trainer) and Merritt Wever (playing Martin’s mother). She was also a producer on the film, a trend that seems to be continued from past projects. With Sweeney’s prior roles, we tend to think of her long blonde hair and figure-accentuating outfits as hallmarks of her look. We think of her singing “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield alongside Glen Powell in “Anyone But You.” We think of her as the attention-hungry Cassie Howard with tears streaming down her cheeks, perfectly made up in an episode of “Euphoria.” “Christy” throws this all away. 

Sweeney sheds all of herself to play Christy Martin. She sports a brown shag and speaks with a southern accent, swearing like a sailor and throwing punches that cause the whole theater to erupt into applause. It’s the first performance of hers that feels separate from herself, like her appearance doesn’t precede her. In spirit and in form, Sweeney has morphed herself into a new, stronger character archetype. 

“Christy” explores the full spectrum of ego and humility while discussing gender roles and power dynamics. For the role of Christy Martin, Sweeney returned to her childhood kickboxing roots, saying she even built a “Rocky gym in [her] grandma’s shed,” to train, gaining 35 pounds in the process. Her fight scenes were impressive, and for the record, real, which added a level of seriousness and craft that a film like this could’ve lacked, having been done differently. Ben Foster’s performance as Martin’s husband was also extremely chilling, and the film’s sinister depictions of domestic violence left a lasting impact on the viewer through sheer fear and extremity. 

Though at times the pacing felt rushed, the biopic managed to cover Martin’s life in a way that felt genuine and spanned decades. The themes of queerness also felt underexplored, as they seemed to be a large part of the narrative but a smaller part of the film itself. It’s interesting to note Sweeney’s appearance in a role like this, where prejudice and power are such integral themes. Still, the movie packs a punch that can’t be ignored, with audible gasps and cheers at different key scenes. The film makes you want to root for Christy because, regardless of who is playing her, her story is undeniably inspiring and incredibly empowering. 

Sweeney has surely separated her public image from the character she plays in “Christy.” She does a phenomenal job of bringing light to the horrors and triumphs of the story of Christy Martin, and has completely transformed herself for the making of the film. But can this role save her from the media frenzy surrounding her career choices, dating life, and overall moral inclinations? It seems unclear at the moment. Press will be crucial for this film, and the choices Sweeney makes will either make or break her portrayal of this iconic figure.

Regardless of Sweeney’s controversies, we’re left with the story of Christy Martin. Her grit and determination, her ruthlessness and power – these traits are what will go down in history books. “Christy” provides a platform for Martin’s narrative, and amidst the sea of biopics, it stands out as a true story worth telling. 

Photo by Edith Manfred.