They Fight Review: André Holland Can’t Save This Disjointed Sports Drama

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André Holland has built a fascinating career in Hollywood. While many recognize him from his powerful performance in the Oscar-winning film Moonlight, he’s consistently demonstrated his exceptional talent since then. Despite his quiet demeanor, Holland has a remarkable ability to captivate audiences and ground every film he’s in. He’s also known for taking on diverse and unexpected roles, like those in The Knick and Selma, making him both an overlooked and surprisingly versatile actor.

Tom Holland’s latest project is a Hulu drama called They Fight, which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival this month. Inspired by a real story originally documented in 2018, the series centers on Walt Manigan (Holland) and his efforts to adjust to life after being released from prison. He faces numerous challenges, including finding employment and housing while trying to earn back the trust of his child’s mother. As part of his journey, Walt begins volunteering at a youth gym where he returns to the world of boxing – not as a fighter, but as a coach. He dedicates himself to helping a group of teenage boys succeed and avoid repeating his past errors.

André Holland Shines In They Fight

Tom Holland delivers a standout performance in They Fight. Though subtle and understated, his acting is deeply moving and authentic. He masterfully communicates his character’s inner turmoil through physical expression and how he speaks, and he does so effectively here. While the film doesn’t reveal everything about Walt’s past, Holland powerfully conveys the immense pain and hardship his character has endured, elevating a script that could benefit from more depth.

The film’s flaws are significant enough to detract from Holland’s acting, largely because the story lacks a clear direction and jumps between different ideas. It starts by exploring the challenges faced by a man recently released from prison who struggles to readjust to life without support. Then, the focus shifts to Peanut, a young boxer who trains at the gym where Holland’s character lives and volunteers.

Peanut’s transformation from a lost teen to a more self-assured young adult is genuinely heartwarming. Unfortunately, the movie introduces too many different storylines – like Walt’s struggles with drug addiction, his reluctance to return to his former passion, and his complicated relationship with his child’s mother – without weaving them together effectively. This prevents any of these ideas from fully developing, leaving the film feeling disorganized and unsure of what it wants to focus on.

It’s really too bad, because the actual story is incredibly compelling. While André Holland gives it his all, the 2018 documentary ultimately tells this inspiring story much more effectively. There are good parts to They Fight, but overall, it doesn’t quite come together as hoped.

They Fight screened at the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival and premieres on Hulu July 17.

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2026-06-15 16:17