Christy (2025) is an American biographical sports drama about boxer Christy Martin. It is directed by David Michôd and co-written by Mirrah Foulkes and Michôd.
The film stars Sydney Sweeney as Christy, with Ben Foster and Merritt Wever in supporting roles. The story follows Martin’s rise in 1990s boxing and her later survival of an attempted murder by her husband; the film premiered at TIFF and opens theatrically on November 7, 2025.
Christy Age Rating
Christy is officially rated R by the MPA for language, violence/bloody images, some drug use, and sexual material. The rating notes multiple mature elements and warns that the film is intended for adult audiences. Parents should treat this as an adult-targeted drama with explicit, upsetting content.
Violence & Peril
The film contains intense, realistic physical abuse and graphic injury. Review coverage and festival reporting note a harrowing attempted murder sequence. Boxing scenes are visceral and often bloody. Expect sustained tension and scenes that many teens find deeply distressing.
Language
Frequent strong profanity appears throughout the film. The script uses coarse language in heated arguments and confrontations. Characters sometimes speak in violent, demeaning terms. Language contributes to the film’s gritty, adult tone.
Mature Themes
The movie addresses intimate partner violence, coercive control, drug addiction, and struggles with sexual identity. It portrays sexual exploitation and the psychological aftermath of abuse. These topics are handled directly and without sanitizing the harm. Parents should expect mature themes that require careful framing and adult context.
Is Christy Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–13: No. The film’s graphic violence and exploitation scenes are inappropriate for preteens. The intensity and subject matter risk causing real trauma.
Ages 14–16: With guidance. Mature teens may understand the historical and social context. However, parents should pre-screen and discuss content before viewing.
Ages 17–18: Probably yes with context. Older teens can handle complex themes if parents prepare them. Still, the film is best seen with an adult available afterward for discussion.
Final recommendation: Best suited to adults and mature older teens (17+). The R rating and brutal subject matter make it unsuitable for most under-17 viewers.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch first: Pre-screen the film so you can assess triggers and decide if viewing is appropriate.
- Prepare a talk: Explain intimate partner violence, coercive control, and consent before the film. Use age-appropriate language.
- Debrief after viewing: Ask how your teen felt. Offer resources and professional help if the film triggers distress.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is Christy’s official MPAA rating and why?
A: Christy is Rated R for language, violence/bloody images, some drug use, and sexual material.
Q: Is Christy appropriate for kids or young teens?
A: No. Graphic violence and sexual exploitation make this unsuitable for children and most younger teens.
Q: Are there violent or scary scenes?
A: Yes. The film contains intense domestic violence and a bloody attempted murder scene.
Q: Does the film feature strong language or slurs?
A: Yes. Frequent strong profanity occurs in confrontations and dramatic scenes.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: The film includes sexual material and exploitative scenes tied to abuse, portrayed as part of the trauma narrative.
Q: Where and when can I watch the film?
A: Christy premiered at TIFF and opens theatrically on November 7, 2025, via Black Bear Pictures. Check local listings for screenings. Christy | Official Website