Making a biopic is never easy. However, making a biopic about a name many people might not know is even more difficult. If you are a wrestling fan, you’d know names such as Dan McLeod, Cowboy Bob Ellis, Ric Flair and more. These are some of the names who took professional wrestling to greater heights and made it a global sensation. However, not many people know about women’s wrestling, its rise to success, and the struggles female wrestlers faced in a male-dominated sport. In today’s time, women’s wrestling has evolved so much and female wrestlers are getting the recognition that they wholeheartedly deserve. But there was a time when a section of society didn’t see women getting into the ring and being a part of the sport. However, one woman refused to back down, doing everything to bring women at the forefront, and that name was Mildred Burke. If you haven’t heard of her before, Ash Avildsen’s movie Queen of the Ring tells the inspiring story of how Burke stopped at nothing to prove that women not only belong in the wrestling ring but are also capable of headlining main events. But is the movie worth watching? The answer to that question is HELL YEAH!!!
Queen of the Ring tells the story of Mildred Burke (played by Emily Bett Rickards), a determined single mother who works at her mother’s diner but dreams of achieving something greater. From the initial scenes, viewers get to know that she loves wrestling and wants to know about the sport. While watching a wrestling match between two male wrestlers, she realizes that she wants to be a wrestler and wrestle professionally, but doesn’t know how to move ahead with it. One night, she meets wrestling promoter Billy Wolfe (played by Josh Lucas) and tries telling about her desire to be a wrestler. Initially, he doesn’t listen to her, but she doesn’t back down and Wolfe gives her a chance to have a practice match with a man. She defeats him in the practice, prompting Wolfe to train her. In no time, Burke became his most-valued asset and took her everywhere. But Burke’s ambitions were big as she wanted to be a big name in the sport of wrestling, and that’s when the story takes a dramatic turn, as Burke’s rise to fame is met with relentless challenges—both inside the ring and beyond—forcing her to fight not just for victories, but for respect, recognition, and her rightful place in a male-dominated sport.
A still from ‘Queen of the Ring’ (Photo Courtesy: Steve Squall)
A Story of Determination, Passion, and Perseverance
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its storytelling. Avildsen crafts a narrative that seamlessly balances Mildred Burke’s personal life with her professional journey, shedding light on the sacrifices she made to break barriers in the wrestling world. The screenplay delves into her tumultuous relationship with promoter Billy Wolfe, whose controlling grip on women’s wrestling presented one of Burke’s biggest obstacles. The film also explores her rivalries with contemporaries like Mae Young (Francesca Eastwood) and June Byers (Kamille), adding layers of complexity to the narrative. Beyond the wrestling ring, Queen of the Ring highlights the emotional weight of Burke’s battles, making her triumphs even more impactful. The film does not shy away from depicting the struggles of women in a sport where they were often treated as mere side attractions rather than legitimate athletes. By focusing on Burke’s relentless pursuit of equality, the film becomes more than just a sports drama—it is a testament to the power of perseverance and the fight for recognition.
Apart from good storytelling, the visuals make this film such an enthralling watch. This film is a stunning tribute to its era. The cinematography by Andrew Strahorn captures the atmosphere of 1930s-50s America in the most amazing way possible, from smoky wrestling halls to the bright lights of championship bouts. The film’s color palette and set design enhance the authenticity of the period, taking audiences back to a time when women’s wrestling was a fiercely contested battleground. Moreover, the camera work during the wrestling sequences is beyond amazing, using close-ups and wide shots to highlight the intensity and magnitude of the matches.
Emily Bett Rickards, Francesca Eastwood, and Gavin Casalegno in ‘Queen of the Ring’ (Photo Courtesy: X/@QueenoftheRing)
Emily Bett Rickards shines as Burke, Francesca Eastwood triumphs
However, it is the stellar performances of the cast that truly make Queen of the Ring a knockout, bringing depth, authenticity, and emotional weight to this inspiring story. Emily Bett Rickards delivers a thumping performance as Mildred Burke, embodying the grit, resilience, and indomitable spirit of the wrestling pioneer. She brings an emotional depth to Burke’s character, capturing both her vulnerability and fierce determination. From the hardships of her personal life to the brutal battle inside the ring, Rickards ensures that the wrestler’s struggles and triumphs resonate deeply with the audience. Burke was the first female athlete in the history to earn $1 million at a time when women fought hard to break the shackles, giving women the motivation to move ahead. She worked hard for it and so did Rickards to bring the wrestler’s unique personality to the screen. Her physical commitment to the role is commendable and she looked like someone who could hold a wrestling championship over her waist.
While Rickards shines as Burke, the supporting cast elevates the film even further. Francesca Eastwood delivers a strong performance as Mae Young, portraying her with both charisma and intensity. Eastwood is one of the standout performers in the film and makes everyone realize how she can portray complex characters effortlessly. She may not have many in-ring sequences, but she captures Young’s charismatic personality with remarkable precision. Every gesture, expression, and line delivery reflects the confidence and charm that made Young stand out. Even in moments outside the ring, she commands attention, making her presence felt in every scene. Her portrayal adds depth to the character, ensuring that Young’s legacy shines through. Meanwhile, Kamille as June Byers is extraordinary. She has a commanding presence throughout the film and perfectly captures the competitive rivalry between her and Burke. Josh Lucas is outstanding as Billy Wolfe, embodying the manipulative and controlling promoter with chilling authenticity. His portrayal adds depth to Burke’s struggle, making her victories feel even more hard-earned. On the other hand, Deborah Ann Woll steals the show with an emotionally charged-up performance. Her story arc is really moving and gives the film more emotional depth.
Emily Bett Rickards and Kamille in a still from ‘Queen of the Ring’ (Photo Courtesy: Steve Squall)
‘Queen of the Ring’s is a biopic done right
For fans of professional wrestling, Queen of the Ring delivers exhilarating in-ring action that feels raw and intense. The wrestling sequences are choreographed with precision, staying true to the classic wrestling style of the era. Each match is shot with a dynamic energy that immerses the audience in the brutal yet captivating nature of the sport. The climactic showdown between Burke and June Byers is particularly riveting, serving as an emotionally charged and technically impressive highlight of the film.
Overall,’Queen of the Ring’ is an inspiring and well-crafted biographical drama that does justice to Mildred Burke’s legacy. With thrilling wrestling sequences, and a compelling narrative, the film successfully blends sports action with deep emotional storytelling. Ash Avildsen delivers a movie that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, ensuring that Burke’s story will continue to inspire future generations. This is a biopic done right!
A must-watch!
