What you need to know
Lauren Sanchez Bezos stands in Sidney Sweeney’s corner.
Although Christie received positive reviews from many critics and a standing ovation at the Toronto International Film Festival, the sports drama, based on the life of 57-year-old boxer Christie Martin, played by 28-year-old Sweeney, grossed just $1.3 million at its opening.
Two days after Sweeney responded to the film’s debut in a lengthy Instagram post, saying he would be “proud” of the film regardless of its box office success, Sanchez Bezos, 55, publicly voiced his support for the film.
PEOPLE Puzzler Crossword is here! How fast can you solve it? Play now!
Lauren Sanchez Bezos/Instagram
On Wednesday, Nov. 12, Sanchez Bezos shared a photo of the movie on screen in a post to his Instagram Stories, writing, “Just watched @sydney_sweeney in @christy.movie. I have to say it’s one of the most powerful movies I’ve ever seen. An Oscar-worthy performance from Sydney.”
Sanchez-Bezos’ post came after she and husband Jeff Bezos attended Sweeney’s space-themed birthday party in September. Sweeney was also one of the guests at the couple’s star-studded wedding in June.
Jon Nasion/Variety, via Getty. Asian black bear photo
Martin, the star of Sweeney’s new film, is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame and officially retired from professional boxing in 2012 with 49 wins. Christie will portray her journey into boxing and the abuse she endured at the hands of her husband and trainer James “Jim” Martin, played by Ben Foster in the film.
“Christy Martin never imagined a life beyond her small-town West Virginia roots until she discovered a knack for hitting people,” the synopsis explains. “Powered by grit, raw determination, and an unwavering desire to win, she breaks into the world of boxing under the tutelage of her trainer and manager-turned-husband, Jim (Foster).”
The synopsis adds, “But while Christie exhibits a fierce personality in the ring, her toughest battles take place outside of it, as she confronts family, identity, and life-or-death relationships.”
Asian black bear photo
Never miss a news. Sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to human interest stories.
Martin also gave Sweeney a shoutout on Instagram Wednesday night, writing, “I’ve always been a warrior. My life reflects that in every way, and now I’m fighting for others. Over the past few days, I’ve seen some people attack my friend Sidney Sweeney. Not only did she work hard for this film, but she worked hard for me. For so many others who have suffered in silence. So I want to be clear about who Sid is. ”
Christie is currently in theaters.
