Float Like a Butterfly is a 2018 Irish drama film written and directed by Carmel Winters and starring Hazel Doupe.
In 1970s Ireland, 15-year-old Traveller girl Frances dreams of becoming a boxer like Muhammad Ali, whom she idolizes not only for his athletic ability but his perseverance against adversity and hardship, as well as the support and inspiration he provides to his community.
The film debuted at the 2018 Toronto Film Festival, and won the FIPRESCI Discovery Prize.
This film provides examples of the following tropes:
- Beauty Is Never Tarnished: Averted. Frances gets bloodied during her fight with Eamann, quite a bit more than he does. The next day she has a welt under her left eye.
- Boulder Bludgeon: Eamann hits Frances in the face with a rock after she knocks him down during what is ostensibly supposed to be a boxing match. It opens a large gash under her eye.
- Complete-the-Quote Title: The title references the famous Muhammad Ali quote "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. The hands can't hit what the eyes can't see."
- Cool Old Guy: Grandad Joyce is witty and rascally, and is quick to support Frances.
- How We Got Here: The very first shot shows Frances hugging her father after beating Eamann in a fight, which doesn't happen until the end.
- Imagine Spot: Played with. Frances has a couple of subtle audio-only ones. While training, she imagines the sound of a cheering crowd and a boxing bell, clearly indicating she's picturing herself in a match. After beating Eamann, she again imagines cheers while her arms are raised.
- Ironic Juxtaposition: Early on, Frances's mild-mannered younger brother Patrick is admonished to not "act like a girl." Cut to the next scene, where Frances is pounding away on a hay bale like it's a heavy bag.
- The '70s: The exact year isn't mentioned, but the references to Ali fighting in Dublin place the bulk of the film in July 1972.
- Tomboy with a Girly Streak: Though definitely a tomboy, Frances doesn't balk at wearing frilly things for special occasions.
- Trailers Always Lie: The trailer puts more of an emphasis on the boxing angle of the story than is really present in the final film.
- Trailers Always Spoil: The trailer reveals that Frances wins her fight against Eamann.
- Weighted Gloves: Eamann conceals stones in his hand wraps when he fights Frances.
