David Michod’s boxing biopic “Christy” crashed and burned at the box-office this past weekend, pulling in just $1.3 million from an opening in over 2,000 cinemas.
That makes the decidedly disappointing $5.8 million that “The Smashing Machine” opened to last month look positively strong in comparison, and is in fact one of the worst-grossing wide-released movie openings in box office history.
This certainly seems to mark the end of boxing/fighting-related biopics anytime in the near future, especially ones that have little awareness outside of the sport and/or internationally. The film’s budget was never officially stated, though it is believed to be in the $30-40 million range.
Now, the movie’s star Sydney Sweeney has taken to Instagram to defend the film and reflect on its significance:
“I am so deeply proud of this movie. Proud of the film David made. Proud of the story we told. Proud to represent someone as strong and resilient as Christy Martin. This experience has been one of the greatest honors of my life. This film stands for survival, courage, and hope. Through our campaigns, we’ve helped raise awareness for so many affected by domestic violence. We all signed on to this film with the belief that Christy’s story could save lives.
Thank you to everyone who saw, felt, and believed—and will believe—in this story for years to come. If Christy gave even one woman the courage to take her first step toward safety, then we will have succeeded. So yes, I’m proud. Why? Because we don’t always just make art for numbers, we make it for impact. And Christy has been the most impactful project of my life. Thank you, Christy. I love you.”
The film scored middling reviews, had low awareness and marks the latest in a number of adult-oriented, Oscar-aiming films to have fizzled this Fall.
It also raises questions about Sweeney’s star appeal as, breakout rom-com “Anyone But You” aside, she’s not had the best luck at the box-office with this following the flop of Ron Howard’s “Eden” the other month.
