TL;DR
Dive into the sensational true story of Tonya Harding, the underdog figure skater who battled a demanding mother, abusive relationships, and intense rivalry with Nancy Kerrigan. Margot Robbie delivers an Oscar-nominated, captivating performance as Tonya, perfectly balancing dark humor with dramatic intensity. Sebastian Stan and Allison Janney are equally brilliant, bringing the complex characters to life. This film masterfully weaves together conflicting accounts, showcasing impressive direction, stunning cinematography, and seamless special effects that bring iconic skating moments to life. While the narrative structure might create some distance, the powerful performances and gripping story make it an unmissable watch. Discover the drama, the controversy, and the raw talent – read the full review to see why this film is highly recommended!
Tonya Harding (Margot Robbie) began figure skating at the age of three, undergoing rigorous training under the supervision of her demanding and emotionally distant mother, LaVona (Allison Janney). Tonya’s life becomes entirely dedicated to the sport; at 15, she encounters Jeff (Sebastian Stan), who becomes her husband. Tonya quickly comes to understand that her background and public image present significant challenges. Her determination propels her to the Olympics, where she faces a formidable rival: Nancy Kerrigan (Caitlin Carver), an obstacle she believes she must overcome.
Director Craig Gillespie, whose previous work includes Lars and the Real Girl and The Finest Hours, delivers a skillfully directed film in I, Tonya. The film recounts a true story through the perspectives of multiple individuals. Screenwriter Steven Rogers interviewed those involved and, by weaving together their often conflicting accounts, constructs a compelling narrative. Gillespie’s astute visual direction effectively portrays the multifaceted nature of the story. While the events depicted are far from lighthearted, the film manages to convey a dramatic narrative with moments of dark humor.
Margot Robbie’s early career began in her native Australia, with a role in the long-running soap opera Grannar. Her international breakthrough came with Martin Scorsese’s Wolf of Wallstreet. She subsequently played Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad. I, Tonya earned Margot Robbie an Oscar nomination, a recognition that is well-deserved, as she demonstrates her full range as an actress. The film hinges on her performance, and she delivers a captivating portrayal. While Robbie performed a significant portion of the skating herself, more complex sequences required the use of stand-ins and digital effects.
Sebastian Stan, known for his role as the Winter Soldier in several Marvel movies, offers a noteworthy performance here. While his previous superhero roles may not have fully showcased his abilities, in this film, he convincingly embodies the brutal and somewhat dim-witted Jeff. His portrayal is a testament to his versatility as an actor.
Allison Janney‘s portrayal of Tonya’s harsh and emotionally distant mother is exceptional, fully deserving of the Oscar she received. A particularly poignant scene between her and Margot Robbie in a hotel room highlights Janney’s nuanced performance. Julianne Nicholson, as coach Diane Rawlinsson, and Paul Walter Hauser, as the absurdly inept self-proclaimed bodyguard Shawn, also deliver strong performances.
The entire cast is well-chosen, with actors who bear a striking resemblance to their real-life counterparts. Paul Walter Hauser, for example, is remarkably similar to the person he portrays. As previously mentioned, the direction and screenplay are well-executed. The cinematography by Nicolas Karakatsanis is particularly impressive, especially during the figure skating sequences. The seamless integration of numerous special effects enhances the film without drawing undue attention. Tonya Harding was the first woman to successfully execute a triple lutz, a jump so technically demanding that no skater was willing to perform it for the film due to the high risk of injury. The filmmakers effectively utilized special effects to overcome this challenge, and the result is virtually undetectable. These types of effects are particularly commendable.
Are there any weaknesses? While the film’s structure is generally a strength, it can also be seen as a limitation, as it can be difficult to fully empathize with Tonya Harding at times. The humor, while generally well-received, may not fully resonate with all viewers. Additionally, the casting of Margot Robbie as Tonya at age 15 may require some suspension of disbelief. While two younger actresses, Maizie Smith and Mckenna Grace, portrayed Tonya at younger ages, the transition to Margot Robbie might have been smoother with the inclusion of another actress to play the 13-15-year-old Tonya.
Overall, this film about one of the most talked-about scandals in figure skating in 1994 is highly engaging and well worth watching. Recommended.
