THE SIMONE BILES STORY: COURAGE TO SOAR
US, 2018, 86 minutes, Colour.
Jeante Godlock, Julius Tennon, Tish Campbell, Jade Falcon,
Directed by Vanessa Parise.
This is a popular portrait/biography of Olympic gymnast, Simone Biles. It is based on the biography cowritten by Simone Biles herself, Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance, with Michelle Burford and she acts as one of the executive producers of this film.
This is a brief film, for the popular audience, a glimpse at a life, difficulties, achievements, the gymnastic gifts and self-doubts. Nakai Takawira makes quite an impact as the young Simone, the difficulties for herself and her siblings with her drug-addicted mother, the intervention of her grandfather, Simonee and her younger brother opting to stay with the grandparents who then formally adopt them.
The film indicates the discovery of her gymnastics skills very early, being seen by a coach, beginning training at which she excelled but which took its toll. The film shows the psychological difficulties for the gifted athlete, comparisons, self-doubt, the need for affirmation. It also indicates the narrow horizons which limit the development of the athlete as a person, homeschooling instead of normal high school classes and social activities…
Jeante Godlock is convincing as the older Simone. And, both actresses portraying her show some extraordinary gymnastics skills. The grandfather, becoming the lawful father, is a genial and support presence. The grandmother, his second wife, is much more businesslike in dealings with. However, all the way through they are supportive. Then there is the coach who works with Simone over many years. And there is the international expert, severe in her way, running camps and training, failing Simonee at times, indicating that she was unfocused and often unwilling to listen.
Ultimately, Simone wins competitions, focuses, is the first in the group of Olympic gymnasts for Rio, 2016. And, at Rio, she achieves great success, one of the Americans who has won the highest number of Olympic medals.
The film can be seen in the aftermath of Simone’s presence at the delayed Tokyo Olympics, 2021. She faced some of the psychological pressure on her, made this public to the press and was admired for it, withdrew from some of the competitions – but, with some determination, entered the fourth and won a bronze medal.
A popular biography and portrait introducing Simonee Biles, but, in connection with her real life and career, offering background and understanding to her success and her 2021 crisis.
