Jockey is one of the movies from Sundance Film Festival 2021 that really surprised me with just how touching and incredible it is.
Jockey was not even on my radar for Sundance 2021 when it first started. I am not really a huge fan of horse movies and although I do like Clifton Collins Jr. as an actor, the description didn’t sound like a film that I would enjoy. Then I started hearing from other critics just how good a movie this was, and that I shouldn’t sleep on it. I still had others higher on my list but added to an “if I have time” section. And then Collins Jr. won for best actor for this movie and I thought OK, I will give it a try.
Admittedly, I was still assuming this wouldn’t be a movie for me, but with it getting so much positive feedback, I wanted to be sure to check it out. I am shocked to say that within 15 minutes I knew I was going to enjoy it. I was not only intrigued by the story and acting — but the cinematography is simply stunning.
In this movie an older jockey Jackson, played by Clifton Collins Jr., is just trying to hold onto his career as he deals with health issues caused from his long career. He acquires a new horse, hoping to go out with a championship, but then something unexpected happens. An up and coming jockey arrives, played by Moisés Arias, claims to be his son.
Jockey continues on to be a movie about perseverance, connection, and family — ultimately this movie is about focusing on what is important in life. Collins Jr. truly shines as he steals every single scene he is in. There are moments where you might not agree with what he is doing or saying, but you are sure to come around to like him by the end. He made me feel for his character. Being an aging athlete and knowing your time is up cannot be easy, and he doesn’t want to give up, even if it will kill him.
One of my favorite things about Jockey is that there are probably 100 scenes you could pause, print out, and hang on your wall. It is a gorgeous film with incredible cinematography. They don’t go over the top in this film, which fits. This is a simple story about a simple man — so it is rightfully, a simple movie. If it feels overly authentic that is because it is — as it was filmed at an actual racetrack with many actual jockeys coming in to be extras and help with the details.
I am thankful this movie ended up on my radar because I can’t imagine my Sundance experience without it. This was a very pleasant surprise. Jockey is a movie that I will recommend to many others, even if they don’t like horse movies.
About Jockey
Seasoned horse jockey Jackson (Clifton Collins Jr.) has weathered decades of races on the riding circuit, but he now finds himself facing what could be his last season as his health deteriorates. With the help of Ruth (Molly Parker) and a promising new horse, Jackson starts to prepare for the upcoming championship.
His plans take a left turn when a budding young jockey (Moisés Arias) shows up and claims to be his son. Caught between yearning for a connection and uncertainty about his own future, Jackson confronts difficult questions regarding his legacy.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.