I, Tonya (2017)

I, Tonya is the rare biopic that feels like a punchy, darkly funny roller coaster while still carrying the ache of a real human life—stylish, sharp, and constantly surprising in how it frames fame, class, and cruelty. Margot Robbie brings a fierce, vulnerable electricity to Tonya Harding, and Allison Janney is a force of nature, turning every scene into a wickedly entertaining tug-of-war between laughter and dread. The direction keeps the energy high and the storytelling nimble, so even when the film turns tragic, it remains gripping rather than gloomy. It’s not a gentle, inspirational sports movie, but if you want something sympathetic without being sentimental—and hilarious without ignoring the damage—it’s absolutely worth your time.

I, Tonya is clearly aiming to be a slick, darkly funny “true-ish” character study that exposes how fame, class, and media spectacle chewed up Tonya Harding. The problem is the film’s whip-smart comedy and ugly domestic violence sit side by side in a way that can feel messy and tone-deaf, leaving some viewers unsure what they’re meant to laugh at and what they’re meant to mourn. If you want a clear, respectful biopic with a steady emotional throughline, this one may frustrate you, especially since it leans into sensational chaos and unreliable narration. That said, the performances (especially Margot Robbie and Allison Janney) are electric, and if you can tolerate tonal whiplash, it’s an energetic, sharply acted ride.