“I, Tonya” tells the story of Tonya Harding from her childhood through her rise to fame and fall from grace. Margot Robbie plays Harding, and the film leans heavily on irony and performance to make its case. The result is a portrait of a woman who never got a fair chance and made some bad choices along the way.
Trailer, via eOne UK.
Robbie’s Performance
Robbie carries the film. She plays Harding as a woman who is quick-witted, proud, and deeply hurt by the world around her. The movie shows Harding’s love for her sport, her family, and her own daughter. It also shows how she used those loves to justify actions that would later ruin her life.
Albee’s Direction
Albee’s direction is confident and controlled. He knows exactly when to let the film breathe and when to push the pace. The film moves between Harding’s past and present with ease, and the flashbacks help explain why she became who she was.
The Irony Problem
The film’s biggest problem is its tone. It wants to be funny, tragic, and serious all at once. That mix doesn’t always land. Some scenes feel like jokes about a serious subject, and others feel like tragedy that asks for a laugh. The two don’t sit well together.
Supporting Players
The supporting cast does solid work:
- Seann William Scott as Jeff Gillooly
- Allison Janney as LaVona Golden
- Julianne Nicholson as Jackie Harding
- Bobby Cannavale as Dan Carlson
Each actor brings a distinct energy to the film, and their work helps ground the story in reality even when the script leans toward caricature.
Where It Falls Short
The film’s biggest flaw is its handling of Harding’s father. His presence is thin, and the film spends too little time exploring how he shaped his daughter’s personality. This omission leaves a hole in the story’s central character.
What Works
What works best is the film’s refusal to fully condemn Harding. It presents her as a flawed human being rather than a villain. That approach takes courage, and it pays off.
Comparing the Two Leads
| Character | Actor | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Tonya Harding | Margot Robbie | Protagonist |
| LaVona Golden | Allison Janney | Mother |
Janney’s performance as LaVona Golden stands out. She plays the mother as cruel and controlling, but also strangely loyal to her daughter.
Final Word
“I, Tonya” is a bold, uneven film that tries to do something difficult: make a sympathetic case for a woman who broke rules and paid dearly for it. It succeeds more often than it fails, thanks to strong performances and a director willing to take chances. The film’s flaws keep it from greatness, but they don’t sink it either.
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