Fight to Live (2023) unveils the gripping journey of “Rowdy” Bec Rawlings, an indomitable MMA fighter, featherweight bare-knuckle boxing champion, and survivor of domestic abuse. Directed by Tom Haramis and written by Georgia Harrison, the documentary offers a candid exploration of Rawlings’ remarkable journey from adversity to triumph, both inside and outside the octagon.
The documentary opens with a captivating montage of Rawlings, her tattoos speaking of her journey, and eyes reflecting a fierce determination as she reflects on her passion for fighting: “When the bell rings…it’s a moment of anything can happen…That’s why I like to fight; to push myself, my body, and my mind to a place where many won’t go.” The juxtaposition between Rawlings’ intensity in the fighting arena and her vulnerable behind-the-scenes confessions draws us into her world, where the fierce fighter and loving mother converge into one resilient spirit.
Through interviews, family videos and UFC interviews, we witness Rawlings’ evolution from a rebellious youth in Launceston to her use of MMA as a life-altering escape. Her sister Jacqui recalls, “she was feral… I was working as a police officer and she was getting arrested.” The documentary aptly captures the profound evolution between Rawlings’ troubled youth and her later transformation into a fierce athlete.
Haramis interweaves Rawlings’ fearless fighting persona with vulnerable confessions about her domestic abuse. Through the personal testimonies of family and peers, the layers of psychological turmoil and control that suffocated both Rawlings’ career and personal life are revealed. Rawlings articulates harrowing accounts of the physical and emotional abuse she endured, wherein “every time it got physical, he would ask ‘why are you making me do this?’ … until I believed that I was causing these issues because I was fighting back.”
One of the most emotional moments is when Rawlings recounts the chilling moment where she realised she needed to escape; “The last straw for me was being scared for the kids’ lives. He pulled a knife out of a drawer in the kitchen and held it up, and said he was going to kill me, the kids, and then himself.”
The documentary’s strength lies in this unflinching portrayal of the impact of intimate partner violence on Rawlings’ life, ultimately portraying her as a beacon of resilience. It is through heart-rending interviews and introspective moments that Rawlings dismantles stereotypes about victims of domestic violence, underscoring that abuse knows no boundaries and can affect anyone.
Haramis’ direction brings a raw authenticity to Rawlings’ story, leveraging heartfelt testimonials and intimate footage to underline the broader social impact of domestic violence. The pacing, while occasionally disorienting due to rapid shifts between her sporting achievements and personal trauma, ultimately serves to mirror the unpredictability of her life’s journey. This unconventional structure, accentuated by an urban soundtrack and raw visual storytelling, underscores the toughness and vulnerability of Rawlings’ story, which transcends the world of sports.
Haramis and Harrison ultimately present Rawlings as a multifaceted individual beyond the ring — a devoted mother striving to protect her children, a fighter reclaiming her agency, and an advocate to those silenced by abuse. The film’s emotional core lies in Rawlings’ transformation from victim to victor, culminating in her historic bare-knuckle championship win.
Fight to Live is more than a sports documentary, resonating as a universal tale of survival and empowerment. Rawlings’ journey serves as a clarion call against domestic violence, with her impact extending beyond the screen as a potent reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
Watching Rawlings, a beacon of hope, reminded me and many viewers that no matter how hard life hits, there’s always strength within oneself to rise against the circumstances – and give it a roundhouse kick in the face.
Fight to Live (2023) is screening at the Inner West Film Fest, Sunday, April 21 at Palace Norton St.