Good Morning Lovelies, 

At the BFI London Film Festival last year, there was one film I was dying to catch. Battle of the Sexes told the true story of the legendary 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and Bobby Riggs (Steve Carrell), which changed the history of the sport and the way players were viewed for life.

Capturing the highs and the lows of the pair's relationships at home and on the court, the story shows the battle King had with her sexuality and marriage, whilst Riggs deals with a gambling addiction that is threatening his own relationship. Known for his sexist ways, Riggs challenges King to the match that could make them unforgettable in tennis history and as someone who battled for equal pay opportunities for women in the sport, King accepts.

The 70s sporting world is brought to life with an amazing soundtrack, brightly coloured outfits, vintage TV sets and a fantastic supporting cast including Sarah Silverman, Andrea Riseborough, Bill Pullman and Alan Cumming. Yet, it is the two leading figures who really make this sporting film stand out amongst the rest.

Stone is the leading force in this film. Whilst Carrell brings comedy and emotion to his character, it is Stone that shines the way on making Battle of the Sexes stand out. Capturing the sad downfall of her marriage and the internal struggle King faced during her relationship with Riseborough’s character Marilyn with her sexuality.

Both actors bring a sensitivity to their role that makes you feel for them. In a time when more women are speaking out than ever (yes ladies!), this film inspires you and Stone’s performance makes you want to raise your voice ever louder to join in the fight for equality across all sectors.

There are several loses with this film, however.  At times the story becomes very drawn out and moments that end up lasting 10 minutes could have been captured in less than that. The writers have spent a lot of time making sure people know how sexist Riggs could be, but from his mannerisms and early actions, these scenes don’t always need to be as long as they are. His rivalry with the women on and off the court are quick ways of re-establishing this idea at their best. 

Yet, as a biographical film, it is a success at making sure people learn about these two key tennis players. For many people, they will be faces that they have never heard of and in the case of King should be told more. King’s history is a life-changing one and it is sad that her work has taken so long to be celebrated on and off the court.

The year the match was on 90 million people watched it! The WTA was formed! And these moments need to be marked and I have no doubt that they will be now after this film. There so, I am giving it this ace…