Tennis film based on true story with 'dynamic performances’ from A-list cast

Described as “a brilliant film which will stay with you” by one viewer, the 2017 sports biopic Battle of the Sexes is being touted as a must watch sports film.

Co-directed by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton, the comedy-drama’s screenplay has been penned by Simon Beaufoy and spotlights the 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.

Starring Emma Stone and Steve Carell in lead roles, the actors are supported by an ensemble cast comprising Elisabeth Shue, Sarah Silverman, Andrea Riseborough, Austin Stowell, Bill Pullman, Natalie Morales, and Eric Christian Olsen.

Battle of the Sexes marks Stone and Carell’s second collaboration after Crazy, Stupid, Love. It’s also the second time Stone and Riseborough have worked together after Birdman.

Both Stone and Carell were nominated for Golden Globes in the Best Actor and Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy categories for their performances.

Made on a production budget of $25million, Battle of the Sexes turned out to be a box-office disappointment, grossing only $18.6million worldwide. However, with an 84 per cent Rotten Tomatoes approval rating, the film fared decently well with critics.

While one reviewer lauded Stone and Carell’s performances and called it: “A crowd-pleaser thanks to the dynamic performances by Emma Stone and Steve Carell.”

Another critic said: “With a pair of stellar performances and strong direction from Johnathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, Battle of the Sexes is an absolute crowd pleasing success.”

A third critic said it was: “As much a heartbreaking experience as it is a funny one. That it strikes that balance so well and so gracefully is a beautiful thing indeed.”

In a 2017 interview with Refinery29, Emma Stone spoke about how she researched for her role and how Billie Jean King inspired her, saying: “It was so eye-opening. I was researching so much about her when she was around age 29: Seeing how brave and daring she had to be, to speak out when it was not as open a forum as it is now, to do something like starting the Women’s Tennis Association with $1 when she was number one in the world. It took this insane amount of bravery. We stand on shoulders like hers, and it’s up to all of us to keep those messages alive.”

Battle of the Sexes was appreciated by audiences as well, with one viewer writing: “Sensational! Moving, too! Emma Stone and Steve Carell are incredible! It's a must-see!”

While another fan commented: “What an awesome movie! And once again, it proves that real life is stranger than fiction. The performances from everyone is exceptional, but Emma Stone truly stands out from the rest. What a nuanced depiction of a great person. Technically, the movie is also brilliant, from the writing to the design, it's all top notch. I would recommend it to everyone.”

A third audience review of the movie reads: “A must see for any tennis fan or anyone interested in social justice issues - about much more than the match; informative, and well done.”

While one viewer called it: “A fascinating true story that at times feels both familiar and different at once.”

Battle of the Sexes is available to stream on Disney+.