Sydney Sweeney has responded to the disappointing US box office performance of her latest film, Christy, in which she plays pioneering boxer Christy Martin. The R-rated biographical drama opened to just $1.3 million this weekend, marking one of the worst starts for a film released in over 2,000 theatres.
In an Instagram post, Sweeney wrote: '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.' The film, directed by David Michôd, chronicles Martin's rise from a West Virginia coal miner's daughter to a top female boxer in the 1990s, as well as the physical abuse she suffered from her coach-turned-husband.
Christy received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Sweeney's performance as award-worthy. However, Guardian critic Benjamin Lee described it as 'a by-the-numbers slog that fails to prove Sweeney’s status as a one to watch.' The film co-stars Ben Foster, Merritt Wever, and Katy O'Brian.
Sweeney highlighted the film's handling of domestic violence in her post, stating: 'This film stands for survival, courage, and hope. Through our campaigns, we’ve helped raise awareness for so many affected by domestic violence.' She added: 'If Christy gave even one woman the courage to take her first step toward safety, then we will have succeeded.'
Christy is the first theatrical release from indie company Black Bear, which produced the film for $15 million. It is the latest in a series of box office disappointments for Sweeney, following the poor performances of Eden and Americana earlier this year. The film also reflects a broader trend of adult-oriented dramas struggling to attract theatrical audiences.
