Queen of the Ring

Queen of the Ring (2024) Movie Synopsis

Queen of the Ring (2024), directed by Ash Avildsen, is a compelling biographical sports drama that chronicles the life of Mildred Burke, a trailblazing female wrestler who defied societal norms to become the first million-dollar female athlete in history. Set in an era when women’s professional wrestling was largely prohibited across the United States, the film follows Burke’s journey from a small-town single mother to a dominant force in one of America’s most masculine sports. Emily Bett Rickards delivers a standout performance as Burke, capturing the resilience and determination that propelled her to the pinnacle of wrestling.

The narrative delves into Burke’s personal and professional life, highlighting her complex relationship with her manager and husband, Billy Wolfe (Josh Lucas), and her interactions with fellow wrestlers portrayed by a talented ensemble cast, including Marie Avgeropoulos, Francesca Eastwood, and Deborah Ann Woll. The film doesn’t shy away from exploring the challenges Burke faced, including gender discrimination and personal sacrifices, offering a nuanced portrayal of her struggle for recognition and equality in a male-dominated industry.

Critics have praised Queen of the Ring for its authentic depiction of Burke’s life and the broader context of women’s wrestling during the mid-20th century. The film’s cinematography by Andrew Strahorn effectively captures the era’s atmosphere, while Aaron Gilhuis’s musical score complements the emotional depth of the story. Reviewers have noted that the film serves as both an inspiring sports drama and a poignant commentary on the societal barriers women faced, with Rickards’s performance receiving particular acclaim for its depth and authenticity.

Premiering at the Buffalo International Film Festival on October 15, 2024, Queen of the Ring was released in U.S. theaters on March 7, 2025. Despite a modest box office performance, the film has garnered attention for shedding light on Burke’s legacy and the history of women’s professional wrestling. Based on Jeff Leen’s book The Queen of the Ring: Sex, Muscles, Diamonds, and the Making of an American Legend, the film stands as a testament to Burke’s enduring impact on the sport and her role in challenging and transforming societal perceptions of women in athletics.

Queen of the Ring Trigger Breakdown