Jockey: A Sports Drama Like You've Never Seen Before
Dec 29,2021
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The 2021 feature film Jockey is an unapologetically brutal story of one man's struggle to stay relevant in a sport that is rapidly leaving him behind. Yet director Clint Bentley tells the story with nuance and grace, avoiding the typical pitfalls of the genre. Neither devastatingly bleak nor tooth-achingly saccharine, Jockey is a balanced and earnest portrayal of its subject matter. Those who know little about the sport will be shocked (and likely appalled) by the working conditions of the jockeys, but audiences with experience in the industry — or agriculture in general — will appreciate the dignity afforded to these blue-collar, financially vulnerable masters. Jockey is a heart-wrenching drama that explores the sport of horse racing, aging, and the sacrifices athletes make in pursuit of personal glory.
Clifton Collins Jr. stars as Jackson Silva, an aging jockey and the main focus of the narrative. Jackson is well-regarded in the industry, acting as a mentor figure in the community. He even has a strong bond with trainer Ruth Wilkes (Molly Parker), who shows an unusual loyalty to Jackson, keeping him on rather than hiring a young gun. Ruth excitedly shows Jackson her new horse — one she actually owns, rather than just trains for someone else — she believes is destined for greatness. Jackson agrees, and for a time, the prospect of riding a winning horse puts a new spring in his step. Unfortunately, life throws several complications his way, including a young jockey who introduces himself as Jackson's estranged son. To make matters worse, Jackson has seen better days; three broken backs have left his spine permanently damaged, and the abuse he's put his body through over the years has repercussions.
Jockey is Bentley's directorial debut. The film comes across as a deeply personal passion project, shedding a harsh and unforgiving light on the sport. It celebrates its everyday heroes, the jockeys, athletes who live unglamorous, unforgiving lifestyles in stark contrast to the wealth often associated with equestrians. While horse breeding, racing, and selling might be restricted to the lucky few with the immense resources required to participate in the sport, those who actually take care of and ride the horses are far less privileged. Real-life jockeys are featured throughout the film, their gaunt forms and matter-of-fact speech adding a slice-of-life realism to the story. The effect is devastating, considering how brutal the work can be.
Little of the drama in Jockey derives from the sport — although the short, tight-framed scenes of Jackson in action are a highlight of the film. Rather, most of the action in Jockey is Jackson's inner turmoil. The man is proud and at least a little jaded. He knows his best years are behind him, and that every day that passes it'll be just that much harder to hold on to what little he's built for himself. He lives in a trailer and has few resources. He starves himself to keep his weight down. He works out constantly — despite being in pain — and rides horses that have little chance of winning. It's a grueling lifestyle, made all the more complicated when Gabriel Boullait (Moisés Arias) shows up, claiming to be Jackson's son.
Jockey is beautifully shot, making best use of silhouettes and shadows to evoke a sense of Jackson's inner mind. The man has lived a harsh life and that's made him cold; yet, underneath, there's a kind soul who desperately wants to reach out and forge meaningful relationships. Although Jackson initially rebukes and rejects Gabriel, he soon demonstrates his desire to be a father figure to this young jockey. While chewing the fat with his peers, Jackson nods in agreement about trainers being greedy opportunists — yet this is a stark contrast to his actual relationship with Ruth. There's a sense that Jackson is a loner going through the motions of this lifestyle because that's what's expected of him, but underneath it all, there's someone wanting more. All of this is demonstrated through tight dialogue, evocative shots, and an exceptional performance by Clifton Collins Jr.
As a sports drama, Jockey subverts convention, offering a nuanced story that is neither triumphant nor tragic. Many of the story beats feel familiar thanks to similar films in the past (elements of The Wrestler, The Fighter, and even Secretariat are all present). What makes Jockey exceptional, however, is the ultimate message. Jackson keeps moving forward because that's all he knows, but he isn't bitter about the approaching end. This is the life he chose. It's a fascinating character study and a strong debut for Clint Bentley.
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