Logline:
An aging jockey is determined to win one last championship, but his dream is complicated when a young rookie shows up claiming to be his son.
When is it time to hang it up, and call it quits? Oftentimes when our mind wants to keep going, our body physically can’t take anymore. It’s incredibly difficult to live in that state of denial. When everything in you tells you that it’s just one more step, one more rep, one more ride, one more time, no one wants to admit when it’s over. They say to leave it all out on the floor, court, field, or track, but to some, that means, I’ll die here if I have to. Sounds crazy to some but rather common to others. So do you fall for the last time while chasing trophies and accolades? Or do you stop and enjoy the rest of your life? It’s up to you.
“How many times have you broken your back?”
It’s not over until you can’t walk anymore. Not really, but that’s the mindset of many athletes. Directed by Clint Bentley, Jockey is a sobering collision of dreams and reality. Forever chasing glory, Jackson doesn’t know what the word quit or retire means, at least not while he’s still able to mount a horse. Like any other sport, injuries come with the territory, however, in the world of horse racing, you can end up in the emergency room just by walking in the wrong direction. Is it all worth it? The hard work, the time away from family, the aches and pains, the agony of defeat, all for a few moments of ecstasy? You’re damn right it’s worth it. That is, if you’re heart and soul are truly in it. And for Jackson, he lives and breathes racing. Telling the story of a man whose career has almost crippled him, pride, determination, and stubbornness lead the way on a quest to one last big win. Not only does this jockey journey examine the harsh truths of a storied sport, but also the mettle of a man faced with an unknown and unexpected version of himself both literally and figuratively. Led by strong performances from Clinton Collins Jr. and Moises Arias, this serene study sparks intrigue and opens itself up to a multitude of emotions. With its sentimental and reflective tone paired with its warm color palette and moody score, Jockey is a film that is to be visually appreciated and taken seriously. Delving into mortality, legacy, fear, and glory, its storytelling, while not groundbreaking, shines through. This is a very human story with very human outcomes and consequences, and I greatly appreciate it. Not only will some aspects hit hard, but are extremely relatable in any context. This is a film that will sadly be underappreciated and missed by the masses but will be a cherished gem once found. Its rewatchability is medium-high.
Image by Adolpho Veloso. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
Pacing & Pop
The somber tone and pacing of the film have an air of reluctance that perfectly encompasses the story itself. What popped for me was being enlightened by the overall experience of being a jockey. While insight into the lifestyle and regimen has been vaguely explored in sports media, this day in the life look is eye-opening.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Clifton Collins Jr., Molly Parker, Moises Arias, Logan Cormier, Colleen Hartnett, Vincent Francia, Marlon St. Julien, Danny Garcia
All around, the acting is fantastic. The performances are very grounded and feel very rooted in real trauma. The initially reluctant father-son relationship between Jackson (Clifton Collins Jr.) and Gabriel (Moises Arias) drives the story and sets it apart from films of the like.
Jockey is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray as well as VOD. Stay safe and enjoy.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Runtime: 1h 34m
Rated: R
Director: Clint Bentley
Writers: Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar
Producer: Greg Kwedar, Nancy Shafer
Director of Photography: Adolpho Veloso
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
