Watch Wrestle

Wrestle is a powerful documentary film that follows a group of high school wrestlers in Huntsville, Alabama, as they struggle to achieve success on the mat and overcome incredible obstacles in their lives outside of school. Directed by Suzannah Herbert and Lauren Belfer, the movie is a moving and unflinching portrait of the American South, where poverty, racism, and prejudice continue to shape the lives of young people.

The film centers on four wrestlers from J.O. Johnson High School, a predominantly African American institution that is one of the poorest and most underfunded in the state. The athletes are all seniors and have been wrestling together for many years. They are bonded by a deep sense of camaraderie and loyalty, and they rely on each other for support and encouragement as they face immense challenges both in and out of the wrestling room.

The movie follows the boys through their final wrestling season at J.O. Johnson as they train, compete, and struggle to maintain their grades and stay out of trouble. Each of the wrestlers has their own story and their own obstacles to overcome. Jailen, the team captain, is a talented wrestler with a bright future, but he also has a troubled past that threatens to derail his dreams. Teague, the only white member of the team, struggles to fit in with his African American teammates and confronts his own racial biases. Jamario, meanwhile, is a quiet but intense competitor who is haunted by the memory of his father's suicide. And Jaquan is a tough-as-nails wrestler who must balance his passion for the sport with his responsibilities as a father.

As the season progresses, the boys face mounting pressure to succeed both on and off the mat. They must contend with injuries, academic setbacks, and the constant threat of violence in their neighborhoods. At the same time, they grapple with the racial tensions that are ever-present in their lives, from the casual racism of their white opponents to the more overt prejudice of teachers and administrators at their school.

Despite these challenges, the boys persist. They find strength in each other and in the sport of wrestling, which gives them a sense of purpose and discipline. They forge deep bonds with their coaches, who are dedicated to helping them succeed in all aspects of their lives. And they learn valuable lessons about resilience, determination, and the power of community.

Ultimately, Wrestle is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. It is a movie that captures the beauty and the struggle of young people who are fighting against incredible odds to achieve their dreams. It is a call to action, urging viewers to confront the systemic injustices that continue to plague our society and to work towards a better future for all. And it is a celebration of the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Wrestle is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes.