“Catch the Fair One”, the thriller/boxing film starring WBA super lightweight champion Kali Reis, has found a U.S. distributor. IFC Films recently announced their acquisition of the film’s domestic rights, with a planned release in 2022.
IFC Films president Arianna Bocco said of the deal: “We’re so glad we have the opportunity to usher in a new talent to the IFC family with Wladyka and the raw and brutally powerful performance from newcomer Kali Reis and to continue working with this amazing producing team.”
Bad Left Hook spoke with Reis and director Josef Kubota Wladyka in advance of their June world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival. Since then, the film won Tribeca’s Audience Award for Best Narrative Film, and a Special Jury Mention for Kali Reis in the Best Actress category.
Having seen it, I can tell you that it’s well worth seeking out once there’s an official date for the public release. It’s compelling, and realistic without ever becoming exploitative. It’s not “Taken”, where the camera is leering at and sexualizing trafficking victims. The closest thing to a sex scene in this one involves two people on opposite sides of a room, and is completely devoid of any eroticism.
The boxing elements are focused around training and pre-fight preparations, so boxing fans won’t be put off by the sort of inauthentic ring action endemic among film and TV presentations of the sport. And die-hards will likely catch and appreciate a voice cameo from the boxing world.
It’s heavy, it’s serious, and it’s exceptionally well done. The subject and the tone likely won’t be for everyone, but those who do connect with it will feel well rewarded for their time. Everyone will finally get a chance to see it next year, and we’ll keep you informed when a release date is announced.