{"id":724382,"date":"2026-06-09T03:43:15","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T03:43:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/724382\/"},"modified":"2026-06-09T03:43:15","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T03:43:15","slug":"tribeca-2026-review-the-boxing-drama-they-fight-explores-mentorship-and-resilience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/724382\/","title":{"rendered":"Tribeca 2026 Review: The Boxing Drama \u2018They Fight\u2019 Explores Mentorship and Resilience"},"content":{"rendered":"

Inspired by the acclaimed 2018 documentary of the same name, They Fight transforms a real-life story of mentorship and resilience into a moving boxing drama that is as much about second chances as it is about competition. Directed by Sheldon Candis, the film explores the difficult road to redemption through the eyes of Walt Manigan (Andr\u00e9 Holland<\/a>), a man determined to rebuild his life while helping others find their own path forward.<\/p>\n

Recently released from prison, Walt returns to Washington, D.C., hoping to reconnect with Ketta (Samira Wiley), the mother of his young son. And to become the father he never had the chance to be. That Reintegration proves far more difficult than he imagined. Employment opportunities are scarce, trust is hard to earn, and the stigma of incarceration follows him at every turn. His one opportunity comes from a world he thought he had left behind which is boxing.<\/p>\n

At a local youth gym, Walt begins coaching a scrappy group of teenage boxers preparing for national competition. What begins as a job gradually becomes a calling, as he discovers that guiding young people away from the mistakes he once made may be the key to rebuilding his own future. The story ultimately centers on two best friends whose bond is tested as they rise through the ranks and find themselves facing one another at the National Championship.<\/p>\n

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The film\u2019s greatest strength is Andr\u00e9 Holland\u2019s quietly powerful performance. Holland brings remarkable depth and restraint to Walt, portraying a man burdened by past mistakes but unwilling to surrender to them. Rather than leaning into inspirational clich\u00e9s, he grounds the character in authenticity, allowing audiences to feel both his frustration and determination. His performance carries the emotional weight of the film and makes Walt\u2019s journey compelling even when the narrative follows familiar sports-drama beats. Another film he does well in anchoring this kind of a performance is the film The Dutchman<\/a>, which was a criminally underrated film and role of Holland\u2019s released in 2025.<\/p>\n

Wendell Pierce<\/a> provides a steady and reassuring presence as Walt\u2019s fellow coach and mentor Slim Richardson. The chemistry between Holland and Pierce feels lived-in and natural, creating some of the film\u2019s strongest moments. Their conversations reveal the challenges of mentorship, accountability, and community support without ever feeling overly didactic.<\/p>\n

Samira Wiley is equally effective as the mother of Walt\u2019s son, bringing warmth and emotional complexity to a role that could have easily been reduced to a narrative obstacle. Wiley helps establish the stakes of Walt\u2019s personal journey, embodying both the hope and skepticism that accompany his efforts to return home and rebuild trust.<\/p>\n

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The film also benefits tremendously from its young cast. Newcomers Toussaint Francois Battiste as Quincey Williams and Anthony B. Jenkins as Ragahleak \u201cPeanut\u201d Bartee deliver engaging performances as best friends whose relationship forms the emotional core of the boxing storyline. Their natural banter and genuine camaraderie make the friendship believable, while their individual struggles lend weight to the eventual championship showdown. The film understands that the ring matters less than the relationships built around it.<\/p>\n

While They Fight contains many of the familiar ingredients of an underdog sports drama, its focus on restorative justice and community mentorship gives it a distinct identity. The boxing sequences are effective without overwhelming the story, serving as extensions of the characters\u2019 emotional journeys rather than mere spectacles. The film is most compelling when it examines how cycles of violence, poverty, and incarceration can be interrupted through guidance, discipline, and belief.<\/p>\n

See Also<\/p>\n

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At times, the narrative follows a predictable trajectory, and some supporting characters could have benefited from additional development. Yet the sincerity of the performances and the film\u2019s commitment to its themes help overcome these shortcomings. The story never loses sight of its central message: redemption is not a destination but an ongoing process that requires patience, accountability, and support.<\/p>\n

They Fight succeeds because it understands that its most important battles take place outside the ring. Anchored by Andr\u00e9 Holland\u2019s deeply affecting performance and supported by a talented ensemble cast, the film delivers an uplifting and heartfelt portrait of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of mentorship. It\u2019s a crowd-pleasing sports drama with genuine emotional substance, reminding audiences that sometimes the most meaningful victories come from helping others find their way.<\/p>\n

They Fight made its world premiere at the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival. The film will premiere on Hulu on Disney+\u00a0 on July 17th.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\tJamie Broadnax<\/a>
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Jamie Broadnax is the creator of the online publication and multimedia space for Black women called Black Girl Nerds. Jamie has appeared on MSNBC’s The Melissa Harris-Perry Show and The Grio’s Top 100. Her Twitter personality has been recognized by Shonda Rhimes as one of her favorites to follow. She is a member of the Critics Choice Association and executive producer of the Black Girl Nerds Podcast.<\/p>\n