‘The Fire Inside’: Ryan Destiny Brings ‘Claressa Shields’ Story to Life on Christmas Day
by nxus Contributor, Ashley Mozingo, MBA (IG @coachmozingo)
Official Trailer | THE FIRE INSIDE, starring Ryan Destiny
The significance of a Christmas Day movie release is a calculated and prestigious move in the film industry. Christmas Day releases are reserved for films blending audience appeal with critical potential, taking advantage of holiday gatherings and strategic positioning for awards season. This year, The Fire Inside, directed by Rachel Morrison, joins the ranks of these significant releases. Chronicling the life of Claressa "T-Rex" Shields, THE FIRST AMERICAN WOMAN to WIN Olympic GOLD in boxing, the film captures her rise from the socio-economic struggles of Flint, Michigan, to her triumphant gold medal win at the 2012 London Olympics.
Anchoring this film is Ryan Destiny, a multifaceted talent whose career has spanned acting, music, and modeling. Destiny is known for her breakout role in Star and her Rhythm and Blues music performances, so Destiny brings depth and charisma to the portrayal of Shields. Her ability to embody Shields’ unrelenting drive and personal sacrifices makes her performance a standout. The Fire Inside transforms Shields' journey into a cinematic experience that honors her legacy while challenging audiences to reflect on the societal inequities she overcame.
Ryan Destiny
Gold medalist Claressa Maria Shields of the United States poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women's Boxing Middle (69-75kg) on Day 16 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Riocentro - Pavilion 6 on August 21, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. | Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Shields & Destiny (Irons) | THE FIRE INSIDE Press Run
Destiny's preparation for the role included training under Robert Sale, a renowned trainer who has worked with acting stars such as Michael B. Jordan for Creed and Will Smith for Ali (2001). Sale’s expertise helped Destiny embody Shields’ physicality and determination, making her transformation into the Olympic champion both authentic and inspiring.
Entertainment Weekly
Directed by Rachel Morrison, the first woman nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography (Mudbound, 2017), The Fire Inside captures Shields' story with a balance of grit and heart. Barry Jenkins, known for his Oscar-winning film Moonlight, 2016, lends his production expertise, ensuring the film does justice to Shields' resilience and the socio-political backdrop of her journey. Complemented by Tamar-kali’s evocative score, the film is poised to captivate audiences and movie advocates.
The Fire Inside is a cultural statement about representation and perseverance. Shields' story was first introduced to many through the PBS documentary T-Rex: Her Fight for Gold, which emphasized the importance of highlighting underrepresented voices in sports, marketing and media.
Premiering on Christmas Day, the film aligns its themes of hope and resilience with the holiday spirit, promising to leave an indelible mark on viewers.
A Christmas Day movie release date is highly significant in the film industry for several reasons. Long Weekend Effect: The Christmas/New Year period often includes extended weekends, maximizing the time available for viewers to watch movies. Oscar Eligibility: Films released in late December are eligible for awards consideration in the following year, allowing them to ride the momentum of awards buzz. Big-Budget Releases: Studios often reserve their biggest, most prestigious, or highly anticipated films for Christmas Day, marking it as a prime date for releases.
With critical acclaim already building from its Toronto International Film Festival debut, The Fire Inside is a testament to human endurance, ambition, and the unyielding fight for equality.
Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry
Supporting films with minority leading actors is a matter of representation, and it’s a powerful act of honoring stories that have long been overlooked. These films offer a window into unique cultures, histories, and lived experiences that can inspire and broaden our understanding of the world (*coughs in the reason why they are trying to ban books). By sharing these stories and amplifying their voices— we show the world the richness and depth of our narratives.
We need to mobilize in LARGE numbers behind this film. I’m talking box office BLOWOUT! When we support films like these, we make a statement about what’s valuable in our society. We’re challenging outdated stereotypes, breaking down barriers, and paving the way for future generations to see themselves reflected on screen in all their brilliance. This kind of work sparks change—not only in the entertainment industry but also in how we see one another, value the stories we share, and empower each other to rise.
Find your AMC Theatre ticket and show information for THE FIRE INSIDE here.
