“I, Tonya” – review

Grace Sloop, Contributing writer

I’m sure many of you have never heard of Tonya Harding, but for those of you who have, you probably perceive her as a villain of the figure skating world.
Largely known for her alleged involvement in the 1994 incident in which figure skater Nancy Kerrigan was brutally clubbed in the knee, Harding has since gained a bad reputation around the world.
However, in the new movie, “I, Tonya,” directed by Craig Gillepsie, starring Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan and Allison Janney, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, we get an idea of what the other side of the story looks like.
Based on recorded and documented interviews from many of the people in Harding’s life, “I, Tonya” tells a story that not many people know.
It gives us a deeper look into who Harding is and was, her aspirations, dreams and ultimately her greatest sacrifices.
If you’ve ever heard the Kerrigan/Harding story, you may believe that Harding was the villainous mastermind behind the attack, but this film shows that you must look deeper.
The movie depicts Harding’s life from the time she was a child up until her untimely fall from grace, but does so in a truthful, raw manner.
The performances by Robbie and Stan as Harding and Harding’s ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, respectively, were exhilarating.
Robbie’s ability to embody this character solidifies my conjecture that she is one of the greatest actresses of this generation.
Janney’s own performance as Harding’s stone-cold mother, LaVona Harding, is sure to land her an Oscar nomination.
Gillepsie’s vision for the movie was very unique, but he captured my attention from the very first moment the film began and even had me laughing a few times despite the heavy story at hand.
I left with a million emotions and feelings, including empathy for Harding as well as outrage over the outcome of her life.
I believe this movie will touch many people in many different ways, but that it will be an enjoyable experience for viewers young and old.
I would highly recommend this movie to anyone and everyone (I’ve already been gushing about it to everyone I know), and, if you’re not already convinced to see it, just remember that Robbie is an added bonus.

4.5/5 Stars