REVIEW: Swing Bout | Crime Thriller Film

A Raw and Restless Look Behind the Ropes of Women’s Boxing.

Set in the gritty backstage corridors of Cork’s Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Swing Bout throws a punchy twist on the classic fight film formula. Writer/director Maurice O’Carroll swaps the traditional boxing ring for the murky underbelly of match-night politics, focusing on the rising world of women’s boxing with a sharp, modern edge.

The story centres on Toni (Ciara Berkeley), a struggling English fighter desperate for a chance to prove herself—and to earn enough money just to get home. When a last-minute “swing bout” opens up, her manager Emma (Sinead O’Riordan) secures her the slot, but there’s a catch: she must take a dive in the second round. What Toni doesn’t know is that Emma stands to make a hefty profit if she does.

While Toni’s internal conflict may echo familiar fight film tropes, her journey is by far the film’s most captivating element. Berkeley delivers a quietly powerful performance, communicating volumes through silence as her character processes betrayal, fear, and ambition. The constant hum of a foul-mouthed motivational podcast, voiced by John Connors, adds a raw inner commentary that’s as darkly funny as it is unsettling.

Unfortunately, Swing Bout pulls focus away from Toni too often, trying to juggle a web of side stories—from shady promoters and clumsy criminal antics to past flings and struggling YouTubers. While aiming for a multi-character drama in the style of Altman, the film spreads itself too thin. Many of the supporting characters feel more like caricatures than people, and their subplots feel undercooked and tacked-on.

There are, however, moments of real emotional impact—particularly in the dynamic between Toni’s opponent, Vickie (Chrissie Cronin), and her father/trainer (Johnny Elliott). Behind Vickie’s cocky public persona is a young woman paralyzed by fear, and the scenes between them are touching and authentic, revealing the pressures of expectation behind the sport’s bravado.

But these moments are few, and the film’s final twist tries to outsmart the audience rather than satisfy them. Sometimes, sticking to a strong central story can pack a heavier punch than overcomplicating the narrative.

Swing Bout stands out for its fresh setting and strong lead performance, but it’s weighed down by distractions and missed potential. With a tighter focus on its most compelling character, it could have been a real contender.

⭐⭐⭐

SWING BOUT will be available on Digital Download from 12th May.

FILM DETAILS

• Digital Release Date: 12th May 2025

• TL;DR: Set backstage at a major boxing event, a young boxer is plunged into a tumultuous journey from the dressing room to her ring walk in a night of deceit, betrayal, and life-altering decisions.

• Director: Maurice O'Carroll 

• Cast: Ciara Berkeley, Frank Prendergast, Sinead O'Riordan, Ben Condron & Chrissie Cronin

• Genres: Crime, Thriller

• Run time: 90 Minutes

• Cert: 15

📸 Strike Media Ltd