Fighting With My Family: A Movie Worth Fighting For
Who would’ve guessed a film about such a brutal & violent sport could be so heartwarming, let alone become a “great Christmas movie” as it’s director Stephen Merchant himself, once put it?
Well, it truly must be seen to be believed. And believe me, I’ve seen it. (And of course, I believed it.)
Now, Stephen Merchant, the mastermind behind this amazing movie, is a nerdy guy best known as being Ricky Gervais’ tall, bug-eyed best friend- not exactly the guy to get involved in a film about pro wrestling, let alone direct, produce & star in. (If anything, he looks more like the guy pro wrestlers would beat up on the playground.) And yet, he somehow knows how to make it work, in all ways. (Did I mention that he makes a cameo in the movie as Paige’s date’s father? And is absolutely adorable in that scene? But okay, I digress.)
Based on the documentary of the same name, Fighting With My Family tells the story of Saraya-Jade Bevis, better known as Paige, a wrestler known for being known as something of a wunderkind- already becoming a household name before her 25th birthday. Of course, the film details her journey from socially awkward young woman trying to fit in a world that isn’t always welcome to people “like her” to a champion in her own right- for all her success, it wasn’t always an easy ride for her, and the film details all the twists and turns she has to go through, in all their crazy glory.
One issue she has to encounter during her early tenure as a pro wrestler is how “marketable” she is as a female wrestler- she’s hardly unattractive, yet in a world full of tanned silicone blondes, her tomboyish Goth style really stands out. The taunting and teasing she has to endure from wrestling fans who see female wrestlers as little more than eye candy is portrayed in all its drastic malevolence.
Eventually, she tries to give herself a “Diva”-style (for those who don’t follow wrestling, female pro wrestlers in the WWE are often referred to as “Divas”) makeover with hair dye and tanning, until she realizes that it doesn’t really work for her. Eventually, she writes off “Diva” pro wrestlers, especially blonde ones, as bimbos, or eye candy who just want to “jiggle their boobs at the camera.” It takes a relationship with a “girly, blonde wrestler to realize that they have their own lives and personalities as well. (It should be worth noting that this dynamic was a commentary on how wrestling casters often prioritized attractiveness over ability when it came to female wrestlers.)
Even without taking gender into account, Paige still has difficulty making a name for herself. At one of her first auditions, she boldly declares with gusto “Girls wanna be me. Guys wanna get to know me. May sound like bragging, but it ain't if it's true. It ain't about the size of the dog in the fight…it's about the size of the fight in the dog. And this dog is about to bite hard!” Of course, that hardly impresses the coach, who says he’s seen it all done before, yet better. And yet, she’s all-too-determinded with her dream to stop anytime soon, let alone then.
Of course, “Rock” fans would be in for a treat, as this film features an appearance from Dwayne Johnson himself. Yes, that Dwayne Johnson. - wouldn’t quite be a wrestling film without him, now, would it? Real life footage of him is shown of him at the beginning of the film, then later on, he escorts Paige’s family at the wrestling league, where they’re mistaken for “Make-A-Wish” kids. In the latter, he offers words of support to them when they’re uncertain about making it in the league. D’awww!! (Let’s be honest, we all could use a pep talk from The Rock himself sometimes. Anyone who denies so is lying.)
It should be noted that the film isn’t always historically accurate as any pro wrestling fan can tell you. For starters, Paige didn’t adopt her name until shortly after she became a successful pro wrestler, whereas here, she’s shown using it from the get-go. (Which is ironic since it was based off a documentary.) That being said, if you’re looking for a moving “earn-your-happy-ending” style story, this is the way to go. Or, of course, if you’re looking for a great Christmas movie around now.
About the Creator
Jennifer Rose
Ever since I was little, I wanted to write. As a little kid my mom would tell me things like "You were writing since you were in the womb. You had a little pen and paper in there, and would write things like "It's so comfy in here and all!"
Keep reading
More stories from Jennifer Rose and writers in Geeks and other communities.
Stephen Merchant: An Outlaw After My Own Heart
So, there's been a ton of talk of Stephen Merchant's series "The Outlaws." Co-created with Christopher Walken (who recently became a fan of Stephen's after working with him on set) it's basically about surprisingly normal "criminals" completing community service. Once you hear "I Fought the Law (and the Law One)" in the trailer, you know you'll be in for a crazy ride. I knew I was!
By Jennifer Rose4 years ago in Geeks
Silver Screen Magic with Mae West
American actress and singer Mae West became a popular film actress during the Great Depression. She started entertaining in vaudeville, then performed on Broadway, and finally went to Hollywood. She signed up with Paramount Pictures and made her debut in the 1932 film “Night After Night.” She also starred in musicals, comedies, and crime dramas. The American Film Institute named her one of the best classic Hollywood actresses.
By Rasma Raisters5 days ago in Geeks
Julian Barnes Says Goodbye to the Novel: A Literary Icon Reflects on a Storied Career
In the world of contemporary literature, few authors have commanded as much respect and admiration as Julian Barnes. Known for his incisive wit, keen psychological insights, and elegant prose, Barnes has spent decades shaping modern fiction, producing works that blend philosophical inquiry with human storytelling. Now, the celebrated novelist has announced that he is saying goodbye to the novel, signaling the end of an era for readers who have long followed his literary journey. A Career Defined by Curiosity and Elegance Julian Barnes, born in Leicester in 1946, has been one of Britain’s most distinguished literary figures since the 1980s. Over his career, he has authored a remarkable array of novels, essays, and short stories, earning accolades including the prestigious Man Booker Prize for his 2011 novel The Sense of an Ending. His works frequently explore themes of memory, love, mortality, and the elusive nature of truth, often inviting readers to examine the complex moral and emotional layers of human experience. Barnes’ decision to step away from the novel comes as both a surprise and an inevitability for many of his devoted readers. In interviews discussing his forthcoming farewell, he emphasized that the decision was not born from fatigue, but from a desire to conclude his career on his own terms, rather than letting external pressures dictate his creative output. “I feel I have said what I wanted to say in fiction,” Barnes explained. “The novel has been my lifelong companion, but it is time to part ways with it gracefully, rather than cling to it.” The End of an Era Barnes’ departure from the novel is significant not only for its timing but also for what it represents in the literary landscape. Over the past four decades, Barnes has been part of a cohort of writers who elevated modern British literature, combining literary sophistication with widespread accessibility. His ability to blend narrative innovation with philosophical depth has influenced a generation of authors, from novelists exploring the intricacies of memory to those experimenting with metafiction and historical inquiry. Works like Flaubert’s Parrot and Arthur & George exemplify Barnes’ talent for merging intellectual curiosity with human emotion. In Flaubert’s Parrot, he dissected the life of the French novelist Gustave Flaubert, blending biography, literary criticism, and narrative playfulness in a way that challenged conventional storytelling. Arthur & George, meanwhile, retold the story of a real-life legal case in Edwardian England, illuminating themes of justice, identity, and the human desire for truth. Such novels have left an indelible mark on literary studies and popular reading alike. A Reflection on Literary Form Barnes’ farewell also prompts reflection on the state of the novel itself. In recent years, traditional literary forms have faced pressure from emerging technologies, the rise of digital media, and shifting reading habits. Barnes’ choice to retire from the novel underscores a sense that the literary form is evolving, and that authors must navigate these changes while remaining true to their artistic vision. Critics suggest that Barnes’ departure may inspire readers and writers alike to reassess what the novel can achieve in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. His works have demonstrated that fiction can simultaneously entertain, educate, and provoke deep contemplation—a standard that future authors may strive to uphold. Legacy Beyond the Page Although Barnes is stepping away from the novel, his influence will persist across literary circles and classrooms worldwide. His essays, critical writings, and memoirs offer further insight into his philosophical and aesthetic approach, while his novels will continue to be studied, enjoyed, and debated for generations. Students of literature often cite his deft handling of narrative perspective, temporal shifts, and moral ambiguity as exemplary, showcasing the enduring power of the written word to capture the complexities of life. Barnes’ announcement also raises questions about what comes next for an author who has spent his entire adult life shaping fictional worlds. While he may no longer write novels, he has hinted at the possibility of exploring essays and non-fiction, channels through which he can continue to engage with ideas, culture, and history. A Farewell to Fiction, Not to Thought Julian Barnes’ goodbye to the novel is bittersweet for readers, critics, and literary enthusiasts alike. It marks the close of a chapter not just in his career but in contemporary literature, reminding the world of the profound impact one writer can have over decades of dedicated craft. Yet even as he steps away from the novel, Barnes’ commitment to inquiry, reflection, and storytelling will continue to resonate. “Books have given me a lifetime of joy,” Barnes said. “I hope they have done the same for my readers. Now it is time to let the novel rest, while the conversation it has inspired continues.” In bidding farewell to the novel, Julian Barnes leaves a legacy defined by intellectual rigor, emotional depth, and narrative brilliance. His works will remain essential reading for anyone who seeks to understand the human condition through the lens of literature. And while the novel may no longer see new works from him, the world of fiction will forever bear the imprint of his extraordinary voice.
By Fiaz Ahmed Brohi5 days ago in Geeks
A Dart at Dusk
Seconds ago, the sullen sun set on the two of us… my exuberant furry companion and me. A fresh breeze embraces us, delivering welcome relief from the day’s oppressive heat. His typical stumbling and staggering along — apace with a sloth — has turned into trip-trapping, high-stepping, almost skipping along.
By Angie the Archivist 📚🪶4 days ago in Petlife
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.