'JessZilla' Review: A Powerful and Deeply Moving Portrait of a Real-Life Hero. Don’t Miss it
- Romey Norton
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
By Romey Norton - June 27, 2025
At first glance, JessZilla might seem like a classic underdog sports doc. But by the end, you’ll realise it’s something far more profound: a powerful story of resilience, love, and the unbreakable spirit of a young girl fighting not just for gold, but for her life.
Directed with sensitivity and cinematic verve by Emily Sheskin, JessZilla follows Jesselyn Silva, a magnetic, driven powerhouse of a girl, who’s already a three-time National Boxing Champion. Her dream? To become the first American woman to win Olympic gold in boxing. But just as she begins to rise, an unexpected diagnosis changes everything.
What makes the film 'JessZilla' worth watching?
This is an inspiring story about a girl building a career and reputation in a predominantly male-dominated sport. And what sets JessZilla apart isn’t just the grit of its subject, it’s the grace with which Sheskin tells her story. There’s no manufactured drama here. Instead, we’re invited into Jesselyn’s world with intimacy and honesty: training sessions with her loving father, moments of quiet vulnerability, and the sudden, life-altering pivot that no one saw coming. We watch as Jesselyn grows up and goes from a feisty kid to a mature young woman, still determined and competitive. All with her dad by her side.
Jesselyn is extremely likable, as is her father. There is something so genuine and wholesome that makes you instantly root for them. Each interview they give feels honest, and they just want to tell Jesselyn’s story and share awareness. Her dad is her number one supporter, but isn’t shy to say he would get a little nervous during matches. He’s a single father to Jesselyn and her brother, and he opens up about these challenges. It’s rather sweet and refreshing to see a dad being the sole parent - I really respect him.
As Jesselyn grows, you’re on her journey to success. Devastation hits with a cancer diagnosis. Something that threatens her career and life, because she is given 12 months to live, including treatment. Honestly, it felt like a punch to the gut hearing this, and I couldn’t bear to think that she won’t be at the end of the film.
The film captures the raw edges of the illness, the adrenaline of the ring, and the complexities of coming-of-age under an unforgiving spotlight. Through it all, Jesselyn remains astonishingly present, and her confidence and ease in front of the camera and spotlight should inspire others.
The locations in the documentary balance between the sweat-soaked gyms and heart-breaking hospital corridors. Every frame feels considered, every scene earned. The filming style is a nice mix between intimate interviews and fly-on-the-wall. This allows the audience to feel included but also feel privy to certain conversations, like after a match that didn’t go so well.
The ending of the documentary is very poignant and I was brought to tears. You need to watch, to find out why.
Is 'JessZilla' worth watching?
Yes. 100%. It’s a heart-warming and inspiring story, which will open your eyes and your heart. Whether you’re a boxing fan, a documentary lover, or someone simply searching for a story with real heart, this is a film that connects.
Premiering to standing ovations on the festival circuit, and winning Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Documentary at the Fargo Film Festival, as well as Best Cinematography at Flickers’ Rhode Island Film Festival, this documentary film has already earned its place as one of 2025’s most inspiring documentaries.
With a worldwide VOD release coming June 27 on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play, JessZilla is not just about boxing, illness, or even triumph. It’s about showing what strength really looks like when the gloves come off.
'JessZilla' releases on digital platforms June 27
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