The Cut (15) |Close-Up Film Review

I’ve always had a soft spot for boxing films.  Rocky with Sylvester Stallone is still one of my all-time favourites. There’s something about the grit, the struggle, and the heart that draws me back to this genre time and time again.

So when I heard about The Cut, I knew I had to see how it stacked up against the classics I’ve loved for years.

Directed by Sean Ellis, The Cut follows middleweight boxer Oswald, played by Orlando Bloom, as he gears up for a brutal comeback fight. The story dives deeply into his personal life, and the hidden dangerous doors, where we witness the punishing training regimes. There are some extreme sacrifices taking place, we see the toll it all takes physically and mentally on him. You can feel every drop of sweat and the extreme pain Bloom goes through in this film. This is more than a sports film, it’s a raw portrait of a man pushing himself to breaking point in pursuit of glory, no matter the cost, and it’s heartbreaking to watch.

Sean Ellis pulls no punches here. This isn’t a glossy, feel-good boxing story.   It’s a harrowing look at the price fighters pay when chasing their dreams. I was genuinely shocked at how far the character goes to prepare himself, and there were moments I almost had to look away.

Orlando Bloom is almost unrecognisable in this role. His performance is intense, layered, and honestly one of the strongest of his career. He captures the physical grind but also the psychological torment, the self-doubt, the anxiety, the inner demons that are often tougher to fight than any opponent in the ring. Watching him break down and rebuild himself is both inspiring and painful.

The Cut doesn’t just show boxing, it puts you inside the head of a fighter who’s on the edge. It’s gripping and at times deeply uncomfortable to watch. Unforgettable. Not a film for the faint-hearted, but for anyone who loves the boxing genre, it’s a must watch.

Digital Release Date: 6th October

DVD & BD Release Date: December 2025