Uppercut (2025) is a drama directed by Torsten Ruether that explores the transformative journey of Toni Williams, portrayed by Luise Großmann. In 2014, Toni, a young German woman adrift in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood, seeks out Elliott Duffond (Ving Rhames), a former boxing champion and gym owner, to train her in boxing. Despite Elliott’s initial reluctance, he eventually agrees, leading to an intense late-night conversation and training session that delves into themes of respect, personal conviction, and the complexities of the mentor-mentee relationship.
Years later, Toni has become a pioneering female boxing manager, guiding her fighter, Payne Harris (Jordan E. Cooper), to his first championship bout. On the night of the fight, Toni faces not only the professional challenge of the match but also a personal crisis involving her young daughter’s health. The film juxtaposes these timelines to highlight Toni’s evolution and the enduring impact of her relationship with Elliott. Despite the compelling premise and Rhames’ strong performance, “Uppercut” has received mixed reviews, with critics citing issues in character development and narrative coherence.
