Day of the Fight is a slow moving, complex, multi-layered drama. This is not just another boxing action movie.

Mikey Flanagan, a former boxing champion, prepares for his first fight after being released from prison. He goes back in time, makes amends with people he cares about, and looks for atonement. As he gets ready for this crucial battle, Mikey tries to put things right.

One of the best ways to use boxing as a metaphor for many of life’s challenges is to fight for the underdog. There always seems to be more stories to tell, even though the tale of the struggling fighter fighting against the odds is a well-known one. This is where Day of the Fight, Jack Huston’s first feature film as director, comes in.

Day of the Fight follows the events leading up to “Irish” Mike Flanagan’s first boxing match following his release from prison for accidentally killing a child in a drunken traffic accident. Mike spends the day with his loved ones and friends attempting to atone for his past transgressions and grow into a better man because he had a brain injury. He knows that the battle could spell the end of both his career and his life.

Michael Pitt is brilliant. His performance is subtle and convincing, not only in terms of the obvious physical change he underwent but also in terms of the conflicted and troubled mannerisms he is able to convey. His portrayal of the complex nature of regret is nothing short of remarkable. In spite of this, it is remarkably realistic to see a man with a good heart who has suffered multiple head injuries. Steve Buscemi, Nicolette Robinson, and the always reliable John Magaro all play strong supporting parts, but Ron Perlman, in his small part as trainer Stevie, steals the show as usual.