My boy, look at the stars

A washed-up boxer, Billy Hope, loses everything when his wife is tragically killed and his daughter is taken away by child protective services. He spirals into despair, but with the help of a former boxer turned trainer, he seeks redemption in the ring and strives to regain what he has lost.

Southpaw received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with many praising Jake Gyllenhaal's intense performance. The film was commended for its raw portrayal of grief and resilience, though some critics found the plot somewhat predictable.

• Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a powerful and physically demanding performance.

• The film excels in its gritty depiction of boxing and the protagonist's struggles.

• While emotionally resonant, the narrative arc adheres to familiar sports drama tropes.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight Jake Gyllenhaal's compelling performance and the film's emotional impact. Many appreciated the realistic portrayal of the boxing world and the redemption story, though some found the plot to be somewhat formulaic.

Jake Gyllenhaal trained rigorously for over a year to prepare for the role of Billy Hope, gaining significant muscle mass and learning boxing techniques.