The Cut Review – Orlando Bloom’s Gritty Boxing Drama Falls Flat

The latest boxing drama to hit the screen, The Cut, had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, bringing a dark and grueling tale of a troubled fighter back in the ring. Orlando Bloom, stepping far from his well-known roles in Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean, stars as a washed-up Irish boxer, appropriately nicknamed “The Boxer.” After a decade away from the ring, he’s called to make a comeback in a high-profile bout in Las Vegas. What starts as a typical sports redemption arc quickly spirals into an almost unbearable endurance test for the viewer.

‘The Cut’ Review: Orlando Bloom Gives an All-Time Great Performance in an Uneven Boxer Drama #TIFF2024 #TheCut #OrlandoBloom https://t.co/HOhtRyC1mp via @variety

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The film’s early moments seem like familiar territory for a boxing drama, but the mood swiftly shifts as Bloom’s character embarks on an extreme weight-loss regimen to meet the fight’s requirements. He’s forced to shed 28 pounds in just six days, and the process is as brutal as it sounds. Director Sean Ellis subjects the audience to long scenes of the boxer in a grim hotel room, starving himself, taking laxatives, using dangerous drugs, and sweating profusely—pushing himself to the brink of death. This extended sequence, where the character is physically and psychologically tormented, drags the film into a bleak, torturous space that’s difficult to endure.

Adding to the misery are the flashbacks to the boxer’s traumatic childhood in Northern Ireland, where he’s haunted by IRA violence and a deeply disturbing scene involving his mother, who offers him to a pedophile for money. These grim moments pile on the character’s already dark journey, and while they may be grounded in reality, the condensed narrative becomes overwhelming and emotionally exhausting.

Unfortunately, despite these harrowing events, Bloom’s character doesn’t inspire much empathy or intrigue. His demons only seem to multiply as the film progresses, and viewers are left with a protagonist who remains largely unlikable and difficult to root for. The film leans heavily into showing trauma and agony, but it misses the mark in offering a compelling reason to invest in the character’s struggle.

The supporting cast includes Caitríona Balfe as Caitlin, the boxer’s perpetually worried girlfriend, and John Turturro as Boz, the seedy trainer guiding him through the weight loss. While both actors are talented, their roles are underdeveloped and largely unsatisfying. Balfe’s character, in particular, is left with little to do other than express concern for her self-destructive partner. Turturro’s portrayal of the unscrupulous trainer feels one-note, with his character quickly wearing out his welcome.

#TheCut Review: Orlando Bloom Takes A Hit In A Physically & Psychologically Taxing Sports Drama #TIFF24.

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Orlando Bloom, to his credit, gives a committed performance. He embraces the gritty, rough-edged persona of The Boxer, shedding the “pretty boy” image that he’s long been associated with. His dedication to the role is evident, and the transformation into a Conor McGregor-esque fighter is impressive. However, even Bloom’s solid work can’t save a film that feels relentlessly grim and drawn out.

Ultimately, The Cut is less about boxing and redemption and more about showcasing endless physical and emotional torment. While some might argue the film is “hard-hitting” for its raw portrayal of suffering, it lacks the heart and depth needed to keep the audience engaged. As the film drags on, the only thing viewers might find themselves rooting for is the end credits.

Key Points:

i. The Cut follows Orlando Bloom as a washed-up Irish boxer attempting a comeback after 10 years.

ii. The film centers on the boxer’s brutal six-day effort to lose 28 pounds, featuring prolonged scenes of physical and psychological suffering.

iii. Flashbacks to the boxer’s traumatic childhood in Northern Ireland add to the film’s dark tone but overwhelm the narrative.

iv. Despite committed performances from Bloom, Caitríona Balfe, and John Turturro, the characters remain unlikable and underdeveloped.

v. While visually gritty, The Cut fails to offer enough emotional depth or character development to keep viewers invested in the story.

Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News