TIFF 2021: Jockey Review

This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, to keep up with our latest coverage, click here.

It’s always nice to see unsung actors finally getting the chance to shine and Jockey gives Clifton Collins Jr., a consistent mostly character actor, the chance to shine with a worthy starring role that has rightfully earned him plenty of buzz. There’s just something about a realistic and grounded approach to indie storytelling, whether intentional or not for other reasons, that makes for a more engaging watch. Recent films such as The Rider and Nomadland come to mind in that regard but this film certainly continues in those footsteps, Shot in an immersive way using natural sunlight (due to budgetary restraints as highlighted in the film’s Q&A) and using a bevy of non-actors, the film offers a look into the world of jockeys and horse racing through the lens of a compelling character study about a man coming to grips with his stage in life and discovering his true purpose.

Jockey follows a man named Jackson Silva (Collins Jr.), an aging jockey attempting one more run with his long time friend and trainer Ruth (Parker). Despite coming into the possession of a horse with winning potential, the mounting injuries and the toll they have taken on his body have made it tough to say the least. Meanwhile, a new hotshot rookie named Gabriel (Arias) burst on the scene who may or may not be Silva’s son which only complicated things further. His initial shock and denial eventually gave way to acceptance as the two formed a mentor mentee bond as Silva tried to make it up to Gabriel the only way he knew how. The obvious parallels between careers going in opposite directions was there but Silva wasn’t quite ready to give up, wanting to continue while still doing right for his son. That conflict continued all the way until the end as it wasn’t always the easiest to watch as it had its ups and downs. The need to win arguably blinded Silva but that final moment of acceptance, that life was more than that, was nevertheless a powerful one.

The best part of Jockey was easily Collins Jr.’s sensational performance as Silva. As the emotional center of the film, he was compelling to watch as an imperfect protagonist that one can’t help but root for in spite of his many flaws. Conveying layers upon layers of pain behind a stoic demeanor around others and a vulnerable one by himself, one can’t help but feel for him as well. Parker as Ruth held her own alongside Collins Jr. as their great chemistry made for a fun dynamic while the same can be said about Arias as Gabriel showing great maturity and sureness over a layer of inexperience.

At the end of the day, Jockey is a gem that does not deserve to fall under the radar and will hopefully give Clifton Collins Jr. the respect he deserves.

 still courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.