Film Review: I, Tonya (2018)

Rating: 9.5/10

Genre: Sport/Biopic

Related Titles: Battle of the Sexes, Molly's Game, Blades of Glory, Whip It

By Leanne Harragan

It's 1991 and skilled figure skater Tonya Harding has just become the first American woman to perform the triple axel. Jump to 1994 when her career and world come falling down at just 23, when her ex-husband conspires to injure a fellow figure skater. Based on the true story surrounding Harding's life and difficult relationships with not only her family but the sport of figure skating itself.

Yet another awards film that is outstanding, awards season this year has been top notch, some truly remarkable films and 'I, Tonya' easily sits in this category. This film really has everything going for it; it's funny, gritty, emotional, has a great soundtrack, a great cast and it's clever and refreshing.

The story of Tonya Harding is surrounded with controversy and is something I honestly knew very little about, so to see the story of her life on screen. You can't help but to feel sorry for her because of the tough home life she had, the lack of chances she had despite being one of the best figure skaters in the world (all because of her background) and just the pure misfortune she had in marrying first boyfriend Jeff Gillooly. Tonya was so likeable and Margot Robbie did an amazing job at portraying this big character. 

Presented as a comedy it works. It's dark but carries that side hand-in-hand with the tragedy of the true story. In my opinion, what makes this work so well is the delivery of such comical moments from Robbie and Allison Janney who are both incredible throughout. While I laughed a lot throughout the film, like I said before I couldn't help but to feel sorry for Tonya and there were some moments in the film that were really heartbreaking to watch, these are carried emotionally by Robbie who doesn't put a foot wrong throughout. 

The soundtrack for this film is killer, including tracks from Heart, Dire Straits, Fleetwood Mac, the list goes on and on. The costume design was fantastic, Tonya's figure skating costumes always looked just a little bit less put together than her fellow skaters being that in reality she sewed them herself. 

One of my favourite parts of the film is the fourth wall breaks, these can be risky and don't always work but the way they are used in the script are so perfectly timed and funny, again in part thanks to the delivery from the cast. I always really loved the use of real footage included at the end, showing the real achievements of Tonya Harding on ice, the interviews from those linked to her after the 'incident' and the little follow up on what the real Tonya has being doing since. 

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this film and can't recommend it enough, there is something for everyone in this film!

Rating: 8/10
By Rebecca Mannick

We were lucky enough to see this film early as part of Odeon's Screen Unseen, I think I did a little scream of excitement when it was revealed. Before I talk about the whole body of film, I will say that the trailer for I, Tonya does the film such justice and it really captures the style of movie it is. So watch the trailer and if you love it then you will love the film too. 

This true story is beautifully and comically carried by the amazing acting. Obviously based on the true story of figure skater Tonya Harding and the incident with competitor Nancy Kerrigan. I'll also add that I love any sports film, anything with a competitive nature already has me gripped and emotional - and I love ice skating films shoutout one of favourite movies of all time The Mighty Ducks. The style of I, Tonya is based around interviews of all the people involved in Tonya's life including Tonya played by the beautiful Margot Robbie. So you hear the point of views from Tonya's mother (Allison Janney), boyfriend Jeff Gillooly (Sebastian Stan) and 'bodyguard' Shaun (Paul Walter Hauser). It's a refreshingly different style that worked very well, hearing different viewpoints of Tonya's life and the incident. 

Allison Janney has been nominated for many awards for 'Best actress in a supporting role' which is very much deserved. LaVona, is a gritty harsh woman who sacrificed a lot to support Tonya's career. Janney really captures her nature, I'm guessing as a heightened version of the real person but it really shows why Tonya is the way she is. Tonya skates as unapologetically herself which isn't necessarily what judges are looking for. It affects her score, taking away from her special talent and especially down plays the triple axel. 

I love how I, Tonya uniquely displays a 'factual' true story. It's funny and cleverly panned out. The soundtrack is also fab, I think I was singing along at one point lol. Anyway, I highly recommend and definitely watch the trailer beforehand.