The Euphoria star’s latest film struggles to impress reviewers, who praise Sweeney’s effort but say her celebrity overshadows the story’s authenticity.
Sydney Sweeney’s latest project, the much-anticipated boxing biopic Christy, is already sparking debate among critics ahead of its official release.
While the actress has expressed pride in sharing the story with the world, early reviews have been far from glowing.
Speaking about the film, Sweeney said, “I’m just glad that Christy’s story is out there,” reflecting her commitment to bringing the tale of a pioneering female boxer to the big screen.
The star, best known for her roles in Euphoria and Anyone But You, underwent an intense physical transformation for the role — but despite her efforts, critics remain divided.
The BBC’s culture critic gave Christy only two stars, calling it a cliché-filled biopic that struggles to separate Sweeney’s star persona from her character. The review stated,
“It is impossible to forget that she is Sydney Sweeney in the cliché-ridden biopic Christy, as our hyperawareness of her off-screen image distracts us from what’s going on in the film.”
The critic went on to note that the film’s central irony lies in Sweeney’s fame:
“A contradiction at the heart of Christy is that Sweeney is the main reason anyone is paying attention to the project, but her own high-profile celebrity makes it difficult to believe her as the character. Can she ever escape the real-life chatter around her?”
Similarly, The Telegraph also gave the film two stars, writing that “Sydney’s muscular makeover isn’t enough to save this boxing biopic.” The review added that while the actress’s performance met expectations, the predictable plot ultimately failed to deliver the emotional punch audiences might expect from a sports drama.
“The Euphoria star’s performance ticks all the boxes, but Christy’s all-too-predictable plot lets her down,” the review read.
However, even among the criticism, some positive notes emerged. The Telegraph acknowledged that Sweeney “does her best” with the material she was given, and described her portrayal as “certainly credible.”
As of now, Christy holds a 69% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting a mixed but not disastrous reception.
The audience score has yet to be determined, and fans of Sweeney are eagerly waiting to see if general viewers will respond more positively than professional critics.
The film’s modest critical rating suggests that while Sweeney’s dedication to the role has been recognized, the storytelling and script may not have resonated as strongly.
For Sydney Sweeney, Christy represents another bold step in an already diverse career.
She has built a reputation for taking on challenging and emotionally intense roles, from the troubled Cassie Howard in Euphoria to romantic comedies and thrillers.
Yet, as some critics point out, Sweeney’s fame may be both her greatest asset and her biggest obstacle. Her off-screen image — as a Hollywood “It Girl” and fashion icon — often overshadows the characters she plays.
The BBC review’s comment about her “hyperawareness” underscores this ongoing struggle faced by many modern celebrities who attempt to balance public persona with artistic credibility.
Despite the mixed reception, Sweeney remains optimistic. Her statement about being “glad Christy’s story is out there” shows her genuine passion for storytelling and for celebrating women who break boundaries.
Whether or not the film becomes a critical success, it adds another dimension to her growing portfolio as both an actress and producer.
As audiences await the official release and share their own reactions, one thing remains certain: Sydney Sweeney’s star power continues to command attention — for better or worse.