One of the worst human traits is envy. Envy at what
others have is a notion that has started life-long feuds, wars and death.
It’s not a likeable emotion to have but sadly rules certain people’s lives
until their death. ‘I, Tonya’ explores how envy can go spectacularly
wrong. Based on true events which made world headlines, it’s a cautionary
tale in envy getting out of control. It’s a well-made film with performances
highlighting the pitfalls of envy in all its ugliness.
Tonya Harding (Margot Robbie) is a figure skater who has
participated in the sport her whole life. Aiming for Olympic medals and
being the best in her field, her ambition knows no limits. Married to
Jeff (Sebastian Stan), Tonya has long tried to move from under the shadow of
her controlling mother Fay (Allison Janney). When Tonya’s fiercest
skating rival Nancy Kerrigan looks set to win an important contest those
closest to Tonya take it upon themselves to change the outcome.
Their actions unleash hell upon Tonya’s life with scandal and deception
overtaking her stormy life.
‘I, Tonya’ is often unbearable viewing due to its vile,
grotesque characters. That’s what makes is so compelling with the trashy,
soap opera style narrative demanding attention from the first frame. ‘I,
Tonya’ doesn’t shy away from the fact that it depicts a group of white trash
people desperate to achieve anything at any cost. Whether it’s by
deception, violence and the worshipping of greed, Tonya and her bizarre family
and friends know no limits.
Thankfully the script doesn’t make Tonya Harding look like
an innocent caught up in a quagmire. Her flaws and those of her husband
and mother are gleefully and painfully shown. The acting is top notch
with Robbie and Janney delivering powerhouse performances. Craig
Gillespie directs in an almost documentary style which achieves the gritty
authenticity for which he strives. The era of the 80s and 90s never
looked to tacky with the skating sequences just as breath-taking as the ghastly
actions of all involved.
‘I, Tonya’ won’t make you instantly love Tonya Harding.
That’s why it works in exploring envy and infamy in honest and kitsch
detail. But by the end you understand why things happened and Harding’s
feelings towards her loved ones. . Recent movie biographies haven’t
been as trashy as this one, with ‘I, Tonya’ being a flashy ode to a
slice of history taste definitely forgot.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 8
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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