Haymaker is a classic love story told without all the glittery frills and formulaic emotional turns of mainstream Hollywood. This makes for a very refreshing cinematic experience. Don’t get me wrong, Haymaker tells a familiar narrative about a washed up fighter who finds his way back into the ring, but the sparseness and honesty with which it is told breathes new life into this well trodden tale.

Haymaker stars Nick Sasso, who also wrote, edited and directed the film, as Nick, a former Muay Thai fighter who retired after a big loss and now works as a bouncer in a nightclub. When he finds one of the patrons sexually assaulting a performer, Nomi (Nomi Ruiz) and rescues her, he is offered a job as her bodyguard. Nomi though from the start seems to be interested in more than just a business relationship. As a strong bond forms between Nick and Nomi, it reignites Nick’s passions.

As already stated, this isn’t anything we haven’t seen before. But it’s the little things that make it stand out. One such example is the chemistry between Nomi and Nick. Nomi is clearly the more dominant and forceful of the two while Nick explores the more subtle strengths, except in the ring of course. Nomi continually thrusts Nick out of his comfort zone while he gives Nomi a safe place to let her guard down and be vulnerable. It is this interplay between the two which is fascinating to watch.

This being a romance on the screen, their relationship of course takes a turn into rocky territory. But once more the movie plays it differently than what we are used to seeing from the Hollywood machine. There are no grand romantic gestures or long apologies; just a reliance on mutual understanding, which is the true foundation of any worthwhile relationship.

Another interesting facet of this movie is the fact that Nomi is transgender, a fact that could almost be completely missed if you aren’t paying close attention. There is no big reveal or moment of truth. To Nick it makes no difference that Nomi was born a male. Their connection is enough for him. There is something so powerful in that. Nomi being a transgender woman is still a big part of her character make-up, but it is taken as simply a part of who she is, not as her defining quality. She encounters struggles because of it but that is her struggle just as Nick has his own. It is how their connection allows them to transcend their struggles that is important and at the center of this film.

My only real problem with this piece of cinema was that it was a little too sparse and subtle at times. I found myself longing to see more of Nick and Nomi’s relationship. I wanted to learn more about these characters and where they were coming from. It is common for indie films like these to be short on the runtime, but still a couple extra scenes to flesh things out would have really satisfied. For instance, the point where Nomi and Nick’s relationship crosses the threshold is literally over in a flash. But that being said, it is preferable to leave audiences wanting more rather than overstaying your welcome.

What could have been a run of the mill movie is elevated into a powerful albeit subtle story about the importance of following your passions in life, no matter where they lead. It also serves as a reminder of the unstoppable power of true love and mutual respect.

RORSHACH RATING:

Mental Health Moment: This movie features a transgender person who feels like she always has to struggle for everything. It also features an ex-fighter who gave up on his dream. These two might seem like they have little in common but as Haymaker shows we all face struggles to go after the life we desire for ourselves. We all get knocked down. I know I personally have been knocked down many times in the pursuit of my own passions. But I keep showing up and keep trying to move forward. Sometimes just connecting with the right person even briefly can help remind us that we all have a fire inside of us that needs to shine its own light onto the world. As Nomi says in one scene of this movie, “You know you don’t have to win.” Life isn’t about the accolades or scoreboard. It’s about just showing up as your true self and doing what you love.

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Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. Haymaker is property of . We do not own nor claim any rights.

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