Detailing the rise of two-time Divas Champion Paige, Fighting with My family is an action-packed comedy that will turn viewers into wrestling fans.
Wrestling means everything to Saraya Knight (Florence Pugh) and her family. Originally competing under the name “Britani”, Saraya and her brother “Zac Zodiac” (Jack Lowden) assist their parents in training local youth wrestling prospects while promoting World Association of Wrestling, which is owned by their parents. Having seen footage of their wrestling, WWE trainer Hutch Morgan (Vince Vaughn) invites Saraya and Zac to a tryout before a taping of SmackDown at The O2 Arena in nearby London. Saraya is informed she must choose a new ring name as they “already have a Britani”. Saraya chooses the name “Paige” in honor of her favorite character from the show Charmed. After trying out with several other local wrestlers, Hutch selects Saraya to compete in NXT, a launching point into WWE’s main roster. After leaving Norwich, England for Orlando, Florida, Saraya discovers that her dream of making it to the WWE is much more difficult, physically and mentally, than she could have imagined.
It’s no surprise that fans of wrestling will love this film. However, even if you don’t enjoy wrestling or have never watched a wrestling match there is plenty to like about Stephen Merchant’s biopic. There’s comedy, drama, action, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Fighting with My Family‘s remarkable story is yet another example of triumph of the human spirit. While the film may not be 100 percent accurate, Paige’s rise to becoming Divas Champion is highlighted by factual events with added entertainment value.
Wrestling fans will notice plenty of cameos from WWE Superstars, while the cast boasts an impressive lineup. Florence Pugh is excellent as WWE Superstar Paige/Saraya. I’m sure it’s always intimidating to portray a real person, but Pugh rose to the occasion. I became a fan of Zac Zodiac actor Jack Lowden after his portrayal of Lord Darnley in Mary Queen of Scots and feel he delivered a strong performance. Nick Frost and Lena Headey are hilarious as Saraya and Zac’s parents, Patrick and Julia. And finally, Vince Vaughn did a remarkable job as the fictional WWE trainer Hutch Morgan.
Personally, I don’t watch wrestling. I was a fan in the 90s when I was a kid idolizing Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock. I can remember the hilarious antics of Mankind and how terrifying The Undertaker was. I could maybe name a handful of wrestlers on WWE’s current roster and I mean that as no disrespect. Wrestling was something that never stuck with me. Despite this, I found Fighting with My Family to be a clever comedy that told the story of an incredible woman and her journey to becoming the youngest female champion in WWE history. This is a film absolutely worth seeing.
