Queen of the Ring is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Rating (MPA) for violence including domestic violence, strong language, suggestive material and smoking.
Violence & Intense Scenes: In this film wrestling matches present physical encounters that feature body slams and submission holds. Certain scenes reach high intensity levels when characters experience noticeable injuries including a devastating knee injury which removes the protagonist from the ring. The power dynamics between Millie and Billy trigger frequent verbal disputes as well as episodes of emotional mistreatment. Sports-related violence plays a significant role throughout the movie yet occasional intense moments expose disturbing truths about industry practices that include exploitation and manipulation.
Sexual Content & Nudity: Billy Wolfe’s infidelity receives attention in the film yet specific intimate moments remain brief. The movie contains occasional lightly suggestive dialogue in addition to depictions of hidden affairs between characters throughout its runtime. The wrestlers embrace attire that showcases their form and style while matching the wrestling aesthetics of the time yet they avoid showing nudity. Character relationships produce subtle romantic moments yet the storyline lacks physical intimacy between the cast members.
Language: The dialogue contains moderate profanity with instances of “hell” and “damn” and occasional stronger linguistic expressions that become noticeable during intense scenes. You can observe some sexist language and demeaning speech about women that demonstrates the prevalent attitudes towards women in that historical era. Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: Social drinking activities appear throughout the story showing typical alcohol consumption patterns from that historical period. Cultural practices from the 1930s-50s show evidence of smoking in the film. No explicit drug use.
Queen of the Ring Ending Explained
The documentary “Queen of the Ring” chronicles the historical transformation of women’s wrestling from underground status to mainstream popularity. Writer-director Ash Avildsen charts the journey of Mildred Burke who faced multiple obstacles yet persevered to establish women’s wrestling. Championship wins and enthusiastic fan turnout became Burke’s norm throughout her wrestling career which spanned from the 1930s to the 1950s. History commemorated Burke as the first female athlete to bring home one million dollars in sports earnings.
Wrestling documentary “Queen of the Ring” draws inspiration from journalist Jeff Leen’s 2009 book “The Queen of the Ring: Sex, Muscles, Diamonds, and the Making of an American Legend.” Emily Bett Rickards delivers a passionate portrayal of Mildred “Millie Muscles” Burke in “Queen of the Ring” while displaying both the wrestling champion’s unyielding ring strength and genuine personality traits. Rickards delivers a standout performance in her first major role which excellently showcases both raw physical strength and exposed emotional layers.
Avildsen follows Burke’s life from her days as a single mother working as a waitress at her mother’s diner (played by an excellent Cara Buono). After watching Billy Wolfe (Josh Lucas) lead wrestlers at a Kansas event the dream to become a wrestler starts forming in Millie’s mind. Millie meets Billy and G. Bill (Tyler Posey) in his diner before asking him to teach her wrestling. After some initial resistance Billy finally gives his consent.
Millie demonstrates quick learning abilities while developing a romantic connection with Billy. Despite her mother’s opposition Millie accepts Billy’s marriage proposal. Millie performed wrestling matches with men at carnivals throughout the Midwest territories while drawing crowds who paid to see her win. The lucrative opportunities attract Billy’s attention as he starts building a larger female wrestling roster. The cast included strong-willed characters like Mae Young (Francesca Eastwood) and Elvira Snodgrass (Marie Avgeropoulos) alongside determined Gladys Gillem (Deborah Ann Woll).
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Millie faces multiple challenges as she pursues her dream of becoming a wrestling star. The prohibition in several territories against female wrestling hindered Billy’s ability to display her talent effectively at prominent venues. A dramatic knee injury from June Byers (Kailey Farmer) leaves Billy incapacitated for several months. The couple’s biggest challenge stems from Billy’s constant infidelity and his oppressive behavior which transforms their relationship into a mere business partnership.
At the festival press conference Avildsen explained that at least an hour of content was removed from the final cut of the film yet these gaps are visible throughout. From entry into professional wrestling to her tough early struggles the film rushes through events so quickly that viewers lack understanding of the motivations behind her decisions. The timeline holds significant gaps that create noticeable breaks in the story.
The minor criticisms actually enhanced my movie experience instead of causing any significant annoyance. Rickards’ outstanding performance helps drive viewers beyond the movie’s other compelling elements. All supporting actors deliver memorable performances including standout work from Lucas Eastwood Buono Farmer Woll and Goggins. Acting veteran Walton Goggins standout as the devious wrestling promoter Jack Pfefer. Sofija Mesicek’s costume perfection along with Molly Coffee’s historical design choices and Andrew Strahorn’s authentic cinematography combine to give viewers the feeling of complete immersion from beginning to end.
Through his movie “Queen of the Ring” Ash Avildsen creates an immersive experience for audiences who encounter unfamiliar wrestling culture. His adaptation takes some major creative licenses while exploring Mildred Burke’s awe-inspiring real-life story. His creative choices enhance the film’s dramatic intensity while preserving the core narrative elements of Millie’s pioneering achievements. Inside the ring viewers experience thrilling wrestling acts yet authentic bonds develop outside the ring while Millie’s relentless determination stands as an incredible source of inspiration. The film adaptation of “Queen of the Ring” will premiere in select theaters beginning March 7th.
Director: Ash Avildsen
Writers: Ash Avildsen, Jeff Leen, and Alston Ramsay
Stars: Emily Bett Rickards, Josh Lucas, and Tyler Posey
Release date: March 7, 2025