This Is Still Florence Pugh’s Most Underrated Movie: Fighting with My Family

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Florence Pugh is part of the rising stars in Hollywood’s acting scene, impressing audiences in major films like ‘Midsommar’, ‘Dune: Part Two’, and ‘Thunderbolts*’. However, some of her movies have gone unnoticed – a pity, particularly when you consider her outstanding performance in ‘Fighting with My Family’. This film is truly one of her best, perhaps even the most underappreciated. With a strong script, an effective cast, just the right dose of emotion, and a leading actress who confidently drives the story, the movie garnered positive reviews (83% from critics and 86% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes). Unfortunately, it didn’t receive the broad recognition it truly merits.

Before gaining recognition with significant awards and prominent roles, Pugh demonstrated her ability to command the screen in a movie not typically found among favorites – “Fighting with My Family”. Based on true events, the film chronicles Saraya Bevis (Pugh), a young woman from a family passionate about wrestling, as she seizes the opportunity to audition for WWE in the U.S. Her journey involves grueling training, rejection, and self-exploration. Alongside her, her brother Zak (Jack Lowden) pursues the same dream, but ultimately gets left behind, impacting them both uniquely. What truly distinguishes this movie is its authentic, unpolished portrayal of characters, revealing their flaws honestly. Pugh’s acting is understated yet impactful – she avoids portraying her character as a hero or sugarcoating her discomfort, which adds an element of realism to the film.

The actress perfectly captures the appropriate mood from the start, not resorting to over-dramatization or explicit explanations; rather, her aura and facial expressions convey it. When her character appears out of sync among fighters who seem more like models than athletes, you can truly sense the discomfort. Rather than following a typical “overcoming adversity” plotline, the script portrays the emotional toll of trying to belong in an uninviting environment. There are scenes displaying self-doubt, frustration, and instances where she contemplates giving up – all handled realistically. The film effectively illustrates that maturing isn’t about motivational talks, but the challenging experiences one goes through. This authenticity helps the viewers empathize more easily.

The secondary characters in this piece deliver impressive performances. Vince Vaughn portrays a tough coach, deviating from his typical charming roles. Instead, he’s blunt, harsh, and occasionally cruel, contributing to an environment that forces the main character to mature rapidly. Lowden offers a genuine display of vulnerability and anger, providing a compelling counterbalance. The family, featuring Nick Frost and Lena Headey as parents, injects humor and compassion without veering into caricatures. While they are slightly exaggerated, their portrayal remains emotionally resonant and provides a welcome break in this narrative.

As a cinephile, I appreciate the modesty this film exhibits – it doesn’t overreach or try to be something grander than its narrative. The directorial approach is uncomplicated yet effective, primarily emphasizing the performances to create an impact that resonates deeply. The action sequences are well-executed but not overly flashy; they focus on the emotional stakes rather than mere martial arts moves.

When Pugh’s character enters the ring at the climax, it’s not just the tension of the fight that permeates, but the weight of her journey – a weight you can truly feel. This moment evokes memories of ‘Rocky,’ not because the battle is monumental, but because the triumph carries an identical significance – a victory hard-earned and deeply personal. It’s not just about sports; it’s about perseverance, struggle, and the triumph that follows.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on the underrated gem that is “Fighting with My Family” in Florence Pugh’s impressive repertoire. Perhaps its lack of festival drama prestige or blockbuster buzz contributes to its overlooked status, yet it resides in a niche often disregarded, despite offering powerful performances.

In retrospect, this film serves as a testament to Pugh’s true potential that was perhaps not as evident at the time. While she has undoubtedly made a splash in high-profile productions, her performance in “Fighting with My Family” showcased her ability to carry a movie singlehandedly – with grace, impeccable timing, and an intensity that left an indelible mark.

Though the role may not have been flashy, it was undeniably one of Pugh’s most solid performances, demonstrating her versatility as an actress and leaving audiences in awe.

Given Pugh’s current standing as one of her generation’s top actresses, it seems unjust that this particular film isn’t included in those discussions. It may not carry the same symbolic weight as Midsommar, enjoy the widespread reach of Little Women, create the intense impact of Don’t Worry Darling, or bask in the limelight of Marvel productions. However, due to its smaller scale and grounded nature, it offers a lesser-seen side of her talent: an actress who excels at crafting rich characters, evolving with the narrative, and delivering surprising depth when least expected. This is why Fighting with My Family remains one of the most underappreciated films in her career, deserving far more recognition.

Fighting with My Family is available to stream on Prime Video.

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2025-07-06 23:43