I, Tonya - Film Review

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I, Tonya is a darkly comedic biographical drama directed by Craig Gillespie, written by Steven Rogers, and featuring Margot Robbie in a career-defining role as figure skater Tonya Harding. The film chronicles Harding's tumultuous life, her rise in the competitive figure skating world, and the scandal that ultimately defined her public image: the 1994 attack on rival skater Nancy Kerrigan.

With a narrative that blends interviews, fourth-wall-breaking commentary, and dramatizations of real events, I, Tonya examines the complexities of truth, class, abuse, and the hunger for fame. The film’s mix of sharp humour and raw emotion, supported by powerhouse performances from its cast, offers a nuanced portrayal of a woman often reduced to tabloid headlines.

One of the film’s central themes is the ambiguity of truth. Presented as a "mockumentary," the narrative juxtaposes conflicting accounts of events from different characters. This Rashomon-like storytelling invites viewers to question the reliability of memory and the subjectivity of truth.

I, Tonya explores the role of socioeconomic status in shaping Harding’s career and public perception. As a working-class woman in a sport dominated by the wealthy, Harding faced systemic biases that influenced how she was judged, both on and off the ice.

The film delves into the abusive relationships that shaped Harding's life, particularly with her mother, LaVona Golden (Allison Janney), and her husband, Jeff Gillooly (Sebastian Stan). These relationships highlight the psychological toll of abuse and Harding’s struggle to break free from these cycles.

The film critiques the media’s role in sensationalizing Harding’s life and perpetuating her "villain" image. By framing Harding as both a participant in and victim of her own downfall, the movie underscores the destructive power of public scrutiny.

Despite her hardships, Harding is portrayed as a resilient figure who repeatedly defies the odds. Her defiance and determination make her a compelling, if polarizing, protagonist.

The film opens with mockumentary-style interviews, introducing key players in Harding’s story: Tonya herself, her mother LaVona, her ex-husband Jeff, and others. This approach sets the tone for the film’s dark humour and unreliable narration.

Tonya’s childhood is marked by poverty and emotional abuse. LaVona, a hard-driving and verbally abusive mother forces young Tonya into figure skating, recognizing her raw talent. Played brilliantly by Allison Janney, LaVona’s cruelty is both shocking and, at times, darkly comedic.

Despite her difficult home life, Tonya becomes a skilled skater, excelling at technical elements like the triple axel—a feat few women in the sport can achieve. However, her brash personality and homemade costumes clash with the sport's genteel image, alienating her from judges and the figure skating establishment.

As an adult, Tonya meets Jeff Gillooly, and their whirlwind romance quickly turns toxic. Their volatile relationship is characterized by physical and emotional abuse, mirroring Tonya’s fraught dynamic with her mother. Despite these struggles, Tonya rises to prominence in the skating world, earning a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.

The film’s humour intensifies during this period, particularly with the introduction of Jeff’s friend Shawn Eckhardt (Paul Walter Hauser), a delusional and bumbling figure who claims to be a bodyguard and intelligence expert. Eckhardt plays a pivotal role in the infamous attack on Nancy Kerrigan (Caitlin Kerrigan).

The "incident," as the characters refer to it, unfolds as a comedy of errors. Jeff and Shawn hire inept associates to intimidate Kerrigan, but the plan spirals out of control, resulting in Kerrigan’s kneecap being struck with a baton. The attack sparks a media frenzy, and Tonya, despite her claims of innocence, becomes a pariah.

The fallout from the Kerrigan attack dominates the final act. Tonya’s life unravels as she faces public vilification, legal battles, and the eventual loss of her skating career. Margot Robbie’s performance is particularly powerful here, capturing Tonya’s anguish and defiance as she pleads with the judge to spare her from a lifetime ban.

The film concludes with a mix of dark humour and tragedy. Tonya turns to professional boxing to make ends meet, while the other characters reflect on the events with varying degrees of accountability. The final scenes leave viewers pondering the complexities of Harding’s story and the societal forces that shaped her destiny.



Tonya Harding (Margot Robbie): Robbie’s portrayal of Tonya Harding is a tour de force, blending vulnerability, toughness, and dark humour. Tonya is depicted as a deeply flawed but sympathetic character—a victim of circumstance and her own poor choices. Robbie captures the nuances of Harding’s personality, from her fiery determination on the ice to her moments of despair and rage.

Tonya’s journey is one of survival. Despite facing relentless adversity, she continues to fight for her place in a world that seems determined to exclude her. The film reframes her as a tragic antihero, offering a more compassionate view of a woman often caricatured in the media.

LaVona Golden (Allison Janney): LaVona is a monstrous yet fascinating figure. As Tonya’s mother, she is cruel, manipulative, and unrelenting in her criticism. Janney’s Oscar-winning performance balances LaVona’s brutality with dark humour, making her a scene-stealer in every appearance.

LaVona’s complex relationship with Tonya highlights the cyclical nature of abuse. While her harsh methods arguably drive Tonya to succeed, they also leave deep emotional scars that shape Tonya’s adult life.

Jeff Gillooly (Sebastian Stan): Jeff is portrayed as both a villain and a tragic figure. While his abusive behaviour is inexcusable, the film also portrays him as insecure and easily manipulated. Stan’s performance captures Jeff’s conflicting emotions, from his misguided loyalty to his moments of regret.

Shawn Eckhardt (Paul Walter Hauser): Eckhardt provides much of the film’s comic relief. His delusions of grandeur and bumbling incompetence are both hilarious and infuriating, highlighting the absurdity of the Kerrigan incident. Hauser’s portrayal underscores the role of hubris and stupidity in the scandal.

The film frequently contrasts Tonya’s working-class background with the wealth and privilege of her competitors. This disparity is most evident in the judges’ treatment of Tonya, who is penalized for her unconventional style and demeanour. By emphasizing this class bias, the film critiques the elitism of figure skating and, by extension, broader societal prejudices.

I, Tonya critiques the sensationalism of the media, which turns Tonya into a scapegoat while glossing over the complexities of her story. The film’s mockumentary style reflects how public narratives are often shaped by selective storytelling and bias.

The film doesn’t shy away from the physical and emotional abuse Tonya endures throughout her life. However, it also portrays her as a fighter who refuses to be defined solely by her victimhood. This duality makes her a compelling and multidimensional character.

Craig Gillespie’s direction brings energy and dynamism to the story. The film’s use of handheld cameras and quick cuts immerses viewers in Tonya’s chaotic world, while its vibrant colour palette reflects the larger-than-life personalities of its characters.

The skating sequences are particularly impressive, with fluid camerawork capturing the grace and athleticism of Tonya’s performances. These moments contrast sharply with the grittier depictions of her personal life, highlighting the dichotomy between her public and private selves.

The cast delivers exceptional performances, with Margot Robbie and Allison Janney standing out. Their portrayals add depth and complexity to their characters, elevating the film beyond a simple biopic.

Steven Rogers’ screenplay is witty, insightful, and unflinchingly honest. The film’s dark humor and layered storytelling keep the audience engaged while offering a fresh perspective on a well-known story.

The mockumentary format and unreliable narrators create a compelling and multifaceted narrative. By presenting multiple perspectives, the film challenges viewers to question what they believe about Harding’s story.

While the film humanizes Harding, it occasionally simplifies or glosses over certain aspects of the story. For example, Nancy Kerrigan’s perspective is largely absent, which may leave some viewers wanting a more balanced portrayal.

The film’s blend of humor and tragedy is mostly effective but occasionally jarring. Some moments of comedy undercut the emotional weight of the story.

I, Tonya is a bold and unflinching examination of Tonya Harding’s life, offering a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of a figure long vilified in popular culture. Through its sharp writing, standout performances, and innovative storytelling, the film challenges preconceived notions about Harding and the events that defined her career.

By blending dark humour with raw emotion, I, Tonya sheds light on the complexities of fame, abuse, and societal expectations. The film’s unique approach to storytelling — through unreliable narrators and mockumentary-style interviews — invites viewers to question the nature of truth and memory. Harding's story, as portrayed in the film, is one of survival and defiance in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Margot Robbie's performance as Tonya Harding is one of the film's greatest strengths, capturing both the vulnerability and determination of the character. Robbie’s portrayal humanizes Harding, showing her as a product of her circumstances rather than just a villain in a sensationalized scandal. Similarly, Allison Janney’s performance as LaVona, her abusive and cold mother, provides both humour and pathos, highlighting the complicated dynamics of their relationship.

The film is not only a critique of the media’s role in shaping public opinion but also a commentary on class and gender within the realm of professional sports. Tonya’s working-class background and brash personality continually clash with the elitist and highly polished image of figure skating, which is predominantly inhabited by women from affluent families. This contrast makes Harding’s rise to the top even more remarkable, yet also underscores the reasons why she was never fully accepted by the figure skating establishment.

Moreover, I, Tonya brings to the forefront the toxic dynamics in Tonya’s personal life, particularly her relationships with Jeff Gillooly and her mother. These abusive relationships are not portrayed as one-dimensional; instead, the film gives them depth, showing how these cycles of abuse affected Harding’s ability to trust and find stability. In doing so, the film makes a powerful statement on how abuse shapes not only the victim but those around them.

While the film occasionally overstates the comedic elements, it still succeeds in blending humour with tragedy, creating a tone that feels both irreverent and poignant. It doesn’t try to excuse Tonya’s involvement in the attack on Nancy Kerrigan but instead questions the context and circumstances that led to it. In doing so, it challenges the audience to reflect on how society treats its heroes and villains, often without understanding the full picture.

In conclusion, I, Tonya is a compelling, complex, and thought-provoking film. By re-examining the narrative surrounding Tonya Harding, it provides a fresh perspective on a woman who has often been misunderstood and vilified. Through its dynamic performances, innovative direction, and sharp script, the film delivers a powerful message about resilience, the search for truth, and the impact of abuse — both public and private. Ultimately, it asks us to reconsider the way we view not just Tonya Harding, but the larger societal forces that shaped her story.

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