I, Tonya

2017 2h 1min

Available on Hulu

This scripted film depicts the rise and fall of Tonya Harding through documentary-style “interviews” with her family and friends. Perhaps the best figure skater of her day, Tonya Harding’s lack of cultural capital distinguished her from her peers. While her style was popular among the unwashed masses, her risqué outfits and confrontational demeanor typically cost her the respect of the judges, thus hindering her advancement in the sport. Tonya’s life is marred by “the incident” where her main competitor is disabled by a pair of amateur hitmen. The film captures the iconic scene nicely as well— whereas crimes are usually depicted smoothly in film, we are treated to the sloppy reality of the incident and the sheer stupidity of those responsible. Though how much Tonya knew about the incident is a controversial issue, the consequence is that she is banned for life from the sport to which she had dedicated the prime of her life. The film portrays Tonya as more of a victim than a monster, and while I am aware some people were put off by that perspective, this is nevertheless a fantastic movie.

Alison Janney (winner of best-supporting actress) provides a tour-de-force performance as LaVona Harding, a tough-love mom whose persistent abuse of Tonya is contrasted with brilliant one-liners and a dedication to Tonya’s success in ice skating. In fact, physical and emotional abuse are central themes of this film, particularly that of intimate partner violence (be advised, there is *lots* of hitting). But the film moves quickly, is produced in an innovative manner, and I wanted more after it was over.