One of the best-reviewed films out of TIFF, “I, Tonya” just had its first trailer released, and it’s looking more and more to be an awards contender (especially for Margot Robbie). Our own A- review, by Kevin Jagernauth, was enamored with the film, as he called it, “the best work of director Craig Gillespie’s career, and a terrifically entertaining picture.” The official synopsis reads:
“Tonya Harding (Margot Robbie) was the first American woman to achieve figure skating’s holy grail move, completing a triple axel in competition in 1991. But success on the ice was not always matched with happiness in her personal life. She grew up constantly at odds with her abusive mother and fought for everything she had. Though an accomplished technical skater, pleasing the judges proved tougher and she was criticized for her lack of artistry and unconventional “trailer park” beauty. When she met Jeff Gillooly (Sebastian Stan), he provided a long-awaited escape from her mother, an encouraging voice in her corner, and fatefully, connections to a sleazy underworld.”
READ MORE: Sebastian Stan Says Marvel Training Put To Good Use In ‘I, Tonya’ [Interview]
When speaking to Vulture during the festival, Robbie admitted she got so into the performance that she ended up getting confrontational with Sebastian Stan, saying, “I was so caught up in it and I think I punched [him] in the side of the head. That ended up being my favorite scene because I forgot that I was acting, and nothing makes me more exhilarated when I genuinely forget where I am.”
In addition to Robbie and Stan, the film co-stars Allison Janney, Julianne Nicholson, Bobby Cannavale, and Caitlin Carver as Nancy Kerrigan. The film was written by Steven Rodgers, who doesn’t have the best track record, writing “Hope Floats,” “Kate & Leopold,” and “P.S. I Love You,” but it seems like he’s done well here. Let us know what you think about the trailer in the comments below.
“I, Tonya” opens on December 8th.