I, Tonya Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A talented but trailer-trash ice skater gets entangled in a scheme to injure her rival, but mostly she just wants her mom to love her.

🍿 I, Tonya: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Skating Prodigy

The film opens in Portland, Oregon, depicting Tonya Harding’s difficult childhood. Raised by her abusive and demanding mother, LaVona Golden, Tonya is thrust into the world of competitive figure skating at a young age. Despite lacking the grace and privileged background typically associated with figure skaters, Tonya displays a natural talent and athleticism that sets her apart. The movie shows the early sacrifices made by Tonya and her mother, albeit through unorthodox and often harmful methods.

Rising Through the Ranks

As Tonya grows older, she hones her skills under the guidance of her coach, Diane Rawlinson. She quickly rises through the ranks, defying the expectations and prejudices of the figure skating establishment. Her unconventional style and raw talent make her a formidable competitor, although she faces constant scrutiny and criticism for not fitting the mold of a traditional figure skater. This section emphasizes her groundbreaking achievement as the first American woman to land a triple axel in competition.

Turbulent Relationship with Jeff Gillooly

At the age of 15, Tonya meets Jeff Gillooly and their relationship becomes a central part of her life. The film portrays their tumultuous relationship, marked by both affection and domestic violence. Their marriage becomes increasingly strained as Tonya’s skating career progresses and Jeff’s controlling behavior intensifies. This toxic dynamic contributes to the instability in Tonya’s life, further complicating her efforts to succeed in the competitive world of figure skating.

The 1994 Olympics and the Incident

The film builds towards the infamous 1994 Winter Olympics and the attack on Nancy Kerrigan. Jeff and his friend, Shawn Eckardt, hatch a plan to injure Kerrigan to eliminate her as a competitor. The events surrounding the attack are presented through conflicting perspectives, leaving the audience to question Tonya’s direct involvement. This pivotal moment dramatically alters Tonya’s career and legacy, forever linking her name to the scandal.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tonya Harding (Margot Robbie): A gifted but controversial figure skater who faces prejudice and abuse while striving for success in a sport that favors a different image.
• LaVona Golden (Allison Janney): Tonya Harding’s abrasive and abusive mother, who pushes her daughter to excel in figure skating through unconventional and often harmful methods.
• Jeff Gillooly (Sebastian Stan): Tonya Harding’s volatile and abusive husband, whose actions contribute to her downfall.
• Shawn Eckardt (Paul Walter Hauser): Jeff Gillooly’s delusional and inept friend, who instigates the attack on Nancy Kerrigan, leading to disastrous consequences.
• Diane Rawlinson (Julianne Nicholson): Tonya Harding’s long-time coach, who supports her talent but struggles with her rebellious attitude and personal life.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tonya: “There’s no such thing as truth. I mean, it’s bullshit. Everyone has their own truth.” – Tonya reflects on the conflicting narratives surrounding her life and the Kerrigan incident.
• LaVona: “Apologize?! You think you’re gonna skate well by apologizing?!” – LaVona’s response when Tonya tries to apologize after a performance, illustrating her tough love approach.
• Tonya: “I was the best!” – Tonya’s proud exclamation after landing the triple axel at the trials, highlighting her confidence and skill.
• Tonya: “It was like, so stupid.” – Tonya’s flippant reaction to learning of the plan for Nancy to receive threat letters, exemplifying how little she took the situation seriously.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $11,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $30,014,539
• Worldwide Gross: $53,939,297

💥 I, Tonya Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘I, Tonya’! It’s not just a sports movie, but a complex character study with a killer soundtrack. Margot Robbie was incredible, especially during the skating scenes – I really believed she was Tonya Harding. What struck me most was the film’s ability to make me sympathize with someone who was so vilified in the media. The abusive mother-daughter dynamic was heartbreaking, and the whole Kerrigan incident felt like a tragicomedy gone wrong. Definitely a movie that stays with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of biographical dramas”
  • “Those interested in figure skating and sports scandals”
  • “Viewers who appreciate dark humor and unconventional storytelling”
  • “Audiences who enjoy films with strong female leads”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Domestic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Some disturbing content”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Margot Robbie delivers a nuanced performance as Tonya Harding, navigating the complexities of a controversial figure. Allison Janney is superb as the acerbic mother. The film’s mockumentary style provides both humor and insight into the differing perspectives surrounding the infamous ‘incident’.
• Variety: “A darkly comedic and compelling biopic that doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of Harding’s life. Gillespie’s direction is sharp, and the performances are top-notch. ‘I, Tonya’ offers a unique perspective on a well-known scandal.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Allison Janney is spectacular as Tonya’s mother, and Margot Robbie disappears into the role. The film is a sympathetic, but not overly forgiving, portrayal of a woman who was both a victim and a perpetrator.

Audience Reactions

Allison Janney’s portrayal of Tonya’s mother was incredible and terrifying.: The film is a darkly funny and surprisingly empathetic look at a controversial figure.

The soundtrack perfectly captures the 90s vibe and adds to the film’s energy.: Margot Robbie gives a career-defining performance as Tonya Harding, showing both her talent and her flaws.

Overall Consensus: ‘I, Tonya’ is a critically acclaimed biopic praised for its darkly comedic tone, strong performances, and unique storytelling approach, offering a nuanced perspective on the life and career of Tonya Harding.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 2018
2. Golden Globe (Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture)- 2018
3. Critics’ Choice Movie Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 2018
4. Screen Actors Guild Award (Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role)- 2018

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Allison Janney filmed all of her scenes in just eight days, winning an Oscar for her performance.”
• “Margot Robbie trained extensively to perform as much of the ice skating as possible, though a body double and CGI were used for the triple axel.”
• “The film uses a mockumentary style, incorporating direct-to-camera interviews and conflicting accounts from the real-life figures, adding layers of ambiguity and dark humor.”

🖥️ How to Watch I, Tonya?

I, Tonya is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV where it is often available to rent or buy. Check local listings for television airings. You can also purchase the DVD or Blu-ray from major retailers. Availability may vary by region, so check your preferred platform for current options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed I, Tonya, you might like these similar films:

• Goodfellas (1990): Shares a similar narrative structure, using direct-to-camera narration and a darkly comedic tone to tell a true crime story.
• The Fighter (2010): Another sports biopic that explores the complex family dynamics and personal struggles of an athlete from a working-class background.
• To Die For (1995): Satirical black comedy about a woman’s ambition and media manipulation, with thematic parallels to the media frenzy surrounding Tonya Harding.
• King Richard (2021): This film shows another angle of pushing kids to be stars, and the family life and abuse within a driven family.

🛒 I, Tonya Related Products

• I, Tonya (Blu-ray): Own the acclaimed film on Blu-ray with bonus features, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew. Experience the story in stunning high definition.
• Tonya Harding: The Mouth That Roared: Explore the complex life of Tonya Harding through this tell-all book. Get the inside stories and details about her side of the narrative
• Funko Pop! Movies: I, Tonya – Tonya Harding Figure: Add the Tonya Harding Funko Pop! figure to your collection! This highly detailed figure captures Tonya’s signature look and is a must-have for fans of the movie.
• Figure Skating for Dummies: Learn the basics of figure skating with this accessible guide, covering everything from equipment to techniques and routines. Become the next Tonya Harding!

🎧 Soundtrack

I, Tonya features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Barracuda” – performed by Heart
• “The Chain” – performed by Fleetwood Mac
• “Free Bird” – performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd
• “Goodbye Stranger” – performed by Supertramp

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The CGI Magic Behind Margot Robbie’s Triple Axel in ‘I, Tonya’

Can CGI really replace a human’s complex skating moves? This video shows how they made it happen in ‘I, Tonya’, and it’s mind-blowing!

I, Tonya (2017) – scene comparisons

Ever wonder how close a movie is to the real story? This video puts ‘I, Tonya’ to the test with side-by-side comparisons.

Gold Medalist Nathan Chen Breaks Down Figure Skating in Movies | GQ Sports

What’s it like to watch your sport on the big screen? Olympic champion Nathan Chen gives us his expert opinion on how ‘I, Tonya’ and other movies measure up.

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