There have been several fantastic boxing movies throughout cinema history, such as the Rocky and the Creed franchises, but how many sweet science films have there been without showing an actual match inside the ring? None that I have ever seen. That is, until filmmaker Maurice O’Carroll’s Irish low-budget indie film Swing Bout focuses on the drama leading up to a big fight, rather than the usual climax of viewing the match itself.
The story follows a young female fighter named Tony (Ciara Berkeley) who is desperately trying to climb the boxing ranks while worrying about having enough money for fare to get home afterwards. Tony is a swing bout fighter, which means that she has to wait and see if there’s enough time available to squeeze her onto the card due to other fights finishing early from a knockout.
Bickering brothers Jack (Ben Condron) and Micko (Frank Pendergast) run the shady boxing promotion that the fights run under, and they decide that influencer swing bout fighter Vicki (Chrissie Cronin), who is to make her fighting debut versus Tony, should be the next big thing.
Tony’s tough coach Emma (Sinead O’Riordan) is tasked with delivering the soul-crushing news from management that Tony is to throw the fight for ten thousand euros. This is a moral dilemma for the cash-strapped Tony, complicated enough further by the hatred that she has for Vicki from multiple locker room spats that they have during the lead-up.
“…Tony is to throw the fight for ten thousand euros.”
Boxing movies usually need a compelling actor to carry them, and Ciara Berkeley is just that. When she’s not speaking, you can feel the gears of her inner monologue turning. Berkeley also has the look and charisma of a star, giving the film a grander feel than the small budget indie movie that it is.
I love that Maurice O’Carroll gives bad girl Vicki more dimensions than the typical boxing villain. We see the doubts and vulnerability that would be natural in this type of situation, especially since it’s her first match ever. Manager Emma is another villain because she’s trying to make extra money on the side by forcing Tony to take a dive, but at least she says that she’s doing it for her family. There’s also some empathy for “evil” promoter Micko due to being broken up about his wife leaving him.
I found Swing Bout to be just as compelling as any big-budget film because of the acting, writing, directing, and storyline. There is a big fight for the finale, but it’s not the one that you expect, and it’s not in the ring. We do hear the audio commentary from the ringside announcer of the built-up bout, which does give a satisfying conclusion to it all.
Swing Bout is yet another independent movie that proves that filmmakers do not need boatloads of money in order to make an amazing film. You just need a compelling concept and storyline, as well as the cast and crew, to make it happen. Maurice O’Carroll, Ciara Berkeley, and company scored a knockout on all fronts.
"…Maurice O'Carroll, Ciara Berkeley and company scored a knockout on all fronts."
