First Match

Realistic and emotional this film hits and hits hard thanks to Elvire Emanuelle's performance. Her never quit attitude is what carries this film through her trials and tribulations. It's grounded and we'll written thanks to the amazing supporting cast in Domingo, Abdul-Mateen and Jerome. It's a story of facing fear and overcoming adversity even if that means making the hard choices. A great film. Impactful and very well written.

A rough coming of age story of a black girl in foster care who joins the boys wrestling team to reconnect with her father. The story has its moments, but I wasn't particularly engaged. Elvire Emanuelle was convincing as the unsettled adolescent. Colman Domingo was charismatic as the coach. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was also good in the not so flattering role of the failed father. Overall, it's a gritty look at growing up detached from family connections.