On Nov. 7, “Christy” was released in theaters, and mixed reviews have littered the headlines. One of the biggest headlines following the release is the “box office flop.” The movie budget, $15 million, was not realized on opening weekend, as the box office received under $1.5 million. This is one of the largest U.S. box office flops recorded, which does stem for some debate. Actress Ruby Rose delivered a brutal review stating that Sydney Sweeney “ruined the film” and “Christy deserved better.” However, I do not believe that “Christy” nor Sweeney deserves the hate it is receiving.

Objectively, Sweeney poured her heart into this role. Whether or not you like Sweeney as an actress or person, she trained as a boxer for months in preparation for this role, gaining nearly 35 lbs. of muscle. She recorded hours of boxing practice to boxer Christy Salters — who Sweeney plays for the biopic — for feedback to represent Salters better. Salters has stated that she could not be happier about the way Sweeney embodied her for the role. 

The movie promotion may have been hidden under headlines of Sweeney’s controversies over the summer detailing her political registration and American Eagle advertisement. This may have led to the flop in the box office.

I went to see “Christy” the day before release, and I have to say: please go see the movie. The story is more than Sweeney’s controversies or acting in the role. The biopic is a survivor’s story of family unacceptance towards sexuality and finding a path through domestic violence. “Christy” deserves your movie ticket purchase and Salters’ story deserves to be known.