Release date: November 24, 2021 (Netflix)

Starring: Halle Berry, Sheila Atim, et al.

When I first heard Halle Berry was getting her directorial debut, I was glad. After I heard it was a Netflix production, that excitement got halved, mostly because of how unpredictable Netflix Originals can turn out to be until you see them. Having finally seen the movie Bruised, what's left of my excitement for the project has been halved once more.

Bruised feels cheap, lacks heart, and is devoid of clear reasons for why its characters (particularly lead Jackie Justice) do what they do. A better screenplay and stronger directorial input would've come in handy. I've seen many sports drama, and this one stands out for its very low rewatch value.

On the side of acting performances, Halle Berry brings a commendable physicality to the role, just as it demands, and does some of the best acting of her career. Too bad she couldn't replicate this magic behind the camera, where it was needed more.

Rinzy's Rating: 2/5

Directed by: Halle Berry

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