Omnia Essawy
Review
Creed III – the third instalment in the successful Creed movie series – was released globally on 3 March 2023. This sports drama marks the directorial debut of Michael B. Jordan, who also stars alongside Tessa Thompson and Jonathan Majors. The film continues the legacy of the Rocky franchise while forging its own path with a compelling story of redemption, rivalry and confronting the past. As the first film in the franchise without Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa, Creed III takes bold steps to establish its independent identity while honouring the rich history that came before it.
Plot Overview
The film follows Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan), a world champion boxer who has achieved remarkable success both in his career and family life. His seemingly perfect world is disrupted when Damian “Diamond Dame” Anderson (Jonathan Majors), a former boxing prodigy and Adonis’ childhood friend, reappears after serving 18 years in prison.
Damian’s return forces Adonis to confront his past while facing a dangerous new challenge. As Damian is determined to claim the boxing glory he believes was stolen from him, Adonis puts his future on the line by taking on his former friend in a comeback fight that becomes about much more than just championship titles. This central conflict serves as both physical confrontation and metaphorical reckoning with past choices, creating layers of meaning beneath the surface spectacle.
The Story Unfolds
The narrative begins with a revealing flashback showing young Adonis sneaking out to watch his best friend Damian, then a Golden Gloves champion, compete in a boxing match. After the match, we glimpse Adonis becoming involved in a heated altercation outside the boxing ring – a moment with consequences that will echo through the decades. This formative experience establishes the complicated bond between the two men and plants the seeds for their eventual confrontation.
Fast forward almost twenty years, and Adonis has established himself as a boxing legend while building a beautiful life with his wife Bianca (Tessa Thompson) and their daughter. His transition from active fighter to promoter and mentor represents a maturation both professionally and personally. When Damian resurfaces after his long imprisonment, he initially seeks Adonis’ help to launch a boxing career that was derailed by his incarceration.
The reunion between the childhood friends initially seems positive, with Adonis feeling a sense of obligation to help Damian rebuild his life. He introduces Damian to his boxing gym and begins creating opportunities for him to compete professionally. This gesture of goodwill comes from a place of genuine concern but also unspoken guilt about their shared past.
However, as the story progresses, Damian’s motivations become more complex and troubling. His determination to prove himself “by any means necessary” ultimately leads to an inevitable confrontation between the former friends. His resentment over lost time and opportunities manifests as an increasingly dangerous obsession with defeating Adonis both professionally and personally. As their rivalry intensifies, Adonis must face not only a formidable opponent in the ring but also the unresolved guilt and secrets from his own past.
Family Dynamics and Personal Growth
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its exploration of family relationships alongside the boxing narrative. Adonis’ relationship with his wife, Bianca, shows a mature partnership facing realistic challenges. Bianca’s music career and her adaptation to progressive hearing loss create a parallel narrative about pursuing passion despite obstacles. Their daughter Amara, adds another dimension to Adonis’ character, showing his growth as a father determined to be present in ways his own father never could be.
The shadow of Apollo Creed—Adonis’ father, who died before he was born—continues to influence Adonis’ identity. His relationship with his adoptive mother, Mary Anne (Phylicia Rashad) provides emotional grounding, though her declining health adds another layer of vulnerability to Adonis’ journey. These family connections create stakes that extend far beyond boxing victories, making the potential losses in Adonis’ life feel genuinely consequential.
The Final Showdown
The tension builds to a dramatic climax when Adonis and Damian finally face off in the ring. This is no ordinary boxing match – it represents a battle between two former friends with a complicated shared history. For Adonis, the fight becomes an opportunity to confront his demons and find closure. For Damian, it’s a chance to claim what he believes should have been his all along.
Jordan’s direction of the final boxing sequence deserves particular attention for its innovative visual approach. Rather than simply filming a conventional boxing match, Jordan creates a surreal environment where the crowded arena occasionally dissolves away, leaving only the two fighters in an empty void. This striking visual choice emphasises the personal nature of their conflict—a battle that transcends sport and becomes almost mythological in its significance.
In an emotionally charged battle, Adonis must draw on inner resources he didn’t know he possessed. The fight culminates in a powerful conclusion that provides resolution for both characters, with Adonis finding a measure of peace and redemption after years of carrying hidden burdens. The outcome serves both narrative and thematic purposes, bringing the character arcs to satisfying conclusions.
Creative Elements and Visual Storytelling
Creed III distinguishes itself through innovative visual storytelling that elevates it beyond a typical sports drama. Michael B. Jordan’s directorial vision brings a fresh perspective to the franchise with striking visual choices and dynamic cinematography. The film’s visual language represents a departure from previous entries while maintaining thematic continuity.
The film employs unique camera techniques throughout, creating a dynamic atmosphere that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. Jordan’s direction brings anime influences to the boxing sequences, with stylised slow-motion shots and surreal visual metaphors that express the characters’ inner states during their confrontations. These artistic choices might seem incongruous with the gritty realism of earlier Rocky films, but they perfectly capture the emotional intensity of modern combat sports.
The production design effectively contrasts Adonis’ luxurious lifestyle with Damian’s harder-edged world, creating visual representations of their divergent paths. Costume choices further emphasise these differences, with Adonis’ polished appearance contrasting against Damian’s rougher aesthetic. These visual elements contribute to the storytelling without requiring explicit exposition.
The dialogue between characters is both engaging and insightful, providing glimpses into their motivations and relationships. Jordan’s performance as Adonis captures the character’s internal struggle while maintaining the strength expected of a champion boxer. The thoughtful use of music builds tension and atmosphere, ensuring the film creates a suspenseful environment while keeping audiences invested in both the emotional drama and the physical confrontations. Composer Joseph Shirley’s score honours the iconic themes of the franchise while introducing new musical elements appropriate for this chapter.
Stellar Performances
The performances in Creed III are exceptional across the board. Michael B. Jordan brings remarkable depth to Adonis, portraying a man struggling with success, family responsibilities, and a troubled past. His physical transformation for the role demonstrates his commitment, but it’s his emotional authenticity that truly impresses. Jordan’s dual role as director and star never diminishes his performance; instead, his intimate understanding of the character seems enhanced by his broader creative vision.
His chemistry with Tessa Thompson creates a believable and nuanced relationship that anchors the emotional core of the film. Thompson’s Bianca has evolved beyond a supportive partner role to become a fully realised character with her own ambitions and challenges. Their scenes together show a mature relationship navigating complex life decisions with mutual respect and love.
Jonathan Majors delivers a standout performance as Damian, creating a complex antagonist whose motivations extend beyond simple villainy. Majors brings both physical intimidation and emotional vulnerability to the role, making Damian a compelling and multi-dimensional character whose grievances feel justified even as his actions become increasingly destructive. His imposing physical presence combines with subtle emotional acting to create a memorable adversary who commands attention in every scene.
The supporting cast enhances the film’s emotional impact, with Phylicia Rashad providing gravitas as Mary Anne Creed, and Wood Harris bringing depth to Tony “Little Duke” Burton. Each actor contributes something unique to their role, creating an ensemble that elevates the material beyond standard genre fare. Even smaller roles are performed with conviction, creating a world that feels authentically inhabited.
Themes and Subtext
Beyond its thrilling boxing action, Creed III explores substantive themes that give the film deeper resonance. The concept of legacy runs throughout—both the legacy we inherit and the one we create. Adonis wrestles with his father’s shadow while trying to forge his own path, just as Damian struggles against the legacy of his imprisonment.
The film examines how childhood trauma shapes adult identity and how unresolved past events continue to influence present relationships. Both Adonis and Damian carry scars from their youth, manifesting in different ways but equally powerful in their impact. Their confrontation becomes a metaphorical working through of these past traumas.
Male friendship and rivalry receive thoughtful treatment, showing the complex bonds that can contain both brotherhood and competition. The film’s exploration of masculinity avoids simple stereotypes, instead showing various expressions of male strength, vulnerability, and emotional growth.
Questions of justice, opportunity, and redemption emerge naturally from the narrative. Damian’s incarceration raises issues about who gets second chances in society and how systemic inequalities shape individual destinies. These social themes never overshadow the personal story but provide meaningful context for the characters’ journeys.
Critical and Commercial Success
Creed III has been embraced by both critics and audiences. The film holds an impressive 88% approval rating from 320 critics on Rotten Tomatoes, along with a remarkable 96% audience score. On Metacritic, it earned an average score of 73 out of 100 based on 61 critic reviews, indicating “generally favourable reviews.”
Critics particularly praised Jordan’s assured directorial debut, noting his confident visual style and ability to balance action sequences with emotional storytelling. Majors’ performance as Damian received universal acclaim, with many considering it among the year’s most compelling antagonist portrayals. The film’s willingness to evolve the franchise while respecting its roots was viewed as a significant achievement.
Commercially, the film has been a tremendous success, grossing over $38 million in its opening weekend in North America alone. It went on to earn more than $200 million worldwide against its production budget of $75 million. The opening weekend marked the best-ever debut for the entire Rocky franchise, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this boxing saga and suggesting a promising future for potential sequels or spin-offs.
The success of Creed III can be attributed to its strong storyline that resonates with universal themes of family loyalty, redemption, and second chances. These elements, combined with excellent performances and Jordan’s assured direction, created a film that connected emotionally with audiences worldwide. Its ability to attract both long-time franchise fans and newcomers speaks to the film’s accessible yet substantive storytelling.
The Legacy of the Rocky Franchise
As the ninth overall film in the Rocky universe and the first without Sylvester Stallone’s appearance, Creed III represents an important transition point for the franchise. It successfully honours the legacy established by earlier films while charting new territory. The absence of Rocky Balboa is addressed respectfully within the narrative, allowing Adonis to fully emerge from his mentor’s shadow.
The film maintains the franchise’s tradition of heart-pumping training montages and inspirational underdog themes while introducing contemporary storytelling approaches. Its exploration of complex antagonist motivations follows in the tradition of the best Rocky films, which always recognised the humanity in its opponents.
By focusing on Adonis’ personal journey rather than simply his boxing career, Creed III continues the franchise’s emphasis on character development over mere spectacle. This emotional core has always been the secret to the series’ longevity, allowing it to transcend the typical limitations of sports films.
Conclusion
Creed III represents a triumphant continuation of the beloved franchise while establishing its own identity through Michael B. Jordan’s confident direction. By exploring themes of legacy, friendship, and redemption, the film transcends its sports drama origins to deliver a powerful story with emotional depth.
With its exceptional performances, innovative visual approach, and compelling narrative, Creed III stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Rocky universe while pointing toward exciting new directions for the Creed series. The film succeeds both as an exhilarating sports spectacle and as a thoughtful character study, balancing visceral boxing sequences with meaningful personal stakes.