Rachel Morrison is making her feature film directorial debut with The Fire Inside, a deeply inspiring drama about Claressa Shields, the historic boxer from Flint, Michigan, who became the first American woman to win Olympic gold in boxing. This film, which has been years in the making, portrays Shields' struggles both inside the boxing ring and outside—showcasing her triumphs and the obstacles she faced as she fought for equality and recognition both as an athlete and as a woman.
Morrison, known for her work as a cinematographer on acclaimed films like Fruitvale Station and Black Panther, shared with ScreenRant the significance of telling Shields’ story. "It was a story...to be out in the world. She's such an inspirational figure," Morrison said, emphasizing the level of care needed when adapting the life of someone who has fought for equality and change.
Production of The Fire Inside faced notable challenges. Filming was slated to begin on March 11, 2020, but the shoot was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to many uncertainties. Morrison explained, "You owe it to them to be incredibly careful with it," detailing her desire to authentically depict Shields’ life experiences and personal struggles. The film eventually wrapped up shooting summer 2022, making its mark on the festival circuit before its wide release.
Ryan Destiny portrays the formidable Claressa Shields, and her preparation for the role included extensive training. Destiny stated during a joint podcast interview with co-star Brian Tyree Henry, "I trained in 2020, then we stopped everything for two years...I had to do it all over again for a second time." Reflecting on this lengthy process, she expressed satisfaction at the growth it prompted. "Overall, it’s been like a five-year process getting this off the ground," she added, highlighting not just the demanding training but also the emotional weight of representing such a significant figure.
Henry, who plays Shields' coach, Jason Crutchfield, added his take on the rigorous nature of making this film. He humorously recalled teasing Destiny during her strict training regimen, noting, "She was irritable, but I loved it because I’d go up to her eating Cheetos, being like, ‘How’s everything?’" This light-hearted banter certainly helped ease the intensity of the demanding production schedule.
Bringing another layer of complexity to both the casting and production experience, the actors reflected on the pressure of accurately conveying Shields’ story. Destiny remarked about the significance of bringing visibility to her subject, lamenting how the story previously remained buried. "I do understand why I didn’t know about the story...because you have this Black woman from Flint, Michigan," she said, emphasizing the importance of sharing Shield's achievements with broader audiences.
Claressa herself conveyed her emotional connection to the film's narrative and how revisiting her past through this portrayal triggered various sentiments. "When I finished watching the movie, I said... I want to go work out. I feel like this movie and my story is going to change the entire world," Shields explained, underscoring her pride and the aspirations she holds for the film to inspire others.
Throughout this process, Morrison noted the insights she garnered about directing. "Now as a DP, I have so much more empathy for my directors," she stated, reflecting on her new appreciation for the challenges directors face—especially during unyielding moments of production where difficulties arise. "It’s not just about shot lists; it's carrying the vision through to the end, regardless of the challenges present," she emphasized, showcasing her commitment to film integrity.
Now fully realized, The Fire Inside serves as more than just entertainment; it embodies the resilience and tenacity of Claressa Shields and reflects the broader themes of empowerment and representation within women's sports. The film is currently playing in theaters, promising to continue igniting discussions about women’s roles and representation both inside and outside the boxing ring.
