Sardonically bleak and brutally honest; a difficult piece despite its generally upbeat telling and moments of genuine (black) humour.

Rating: 7/10 (25 February 2018)

'I, Tonya (2018)' is inspired by real events but makes no qualms about its contradictory nature, instead focusing on showing the story from all sides possible, and is told through a fast, frenzied and frankly odd mix of traditional non-linear, narration-heavy film-making interspersed with fairly regular to-camera interviews (recreations of real-life footage on which the whole affair is based) and occasional fourth wall breaks. It's a sardonic, sad and, at times, difficult picture despite its occasional moments of (black) humour, actually ending up quite a bleak and brutally honest piece that leaves a bitter aftertaste of melancholic regret with a distinct hint of unfortunate inevitability. Don't expect a laugh-a-minute riot, because this is a reflexive and ultimately sombre story despite its generally upbeat telling. It's compelling stuff. 7/10