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The Only

Name: The Only
Director: Anthony J. Cortese
Released: 2022
Duration: 102 min

Representation Score

9.5/10

Excellent

2022

TV-MA

Director

Anthony J. Cortese

Runtime

102 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Only is a sophisticated biographical study that refuses to separate Briana Scurry’s athletic achievements from her multi-layered identity. By centering her lived experience as a Black, queer woman, the film moves beyond standard sports statistics to examine the systemic pressures of race and sexuality. The documentary effectively deconstructs the 'invincible athlete' myth. It balances the glory of her World Cup success with the dark realities of racism, homophobia, and the mental health crisis following a traumatic brain injury. Ultimately, the film serves as a critical examination of the barriers within professional athletics. It provides a multi-dimensional portrait of survival and the psychological toll of navigating exclusionary institutions.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Only have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film provides high-level visibility for LGBTQ+ identity. It integrates Scurry’s sexuality as a central component of her professional and personal struggle rather than a peripheral detail.

How does The Only portray gender?

Good

The documentary subverts traditional hierarchies by centering a female athlete’s physical and intellectual dominance. It portrays Scurry’s leadership and control over her story, moving away from common submissive female clichés.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Only?

Excellent

The film offers a profound exploration of how different aspects of identity intersect. It highlights Scurry’s isolation as the only Black starter, analyzing how systemic racism coexists with athletic triumph.

How does The Only represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative challenges institutional norms by exposing the friction between individual identity and professional sports expectations. It frames Scurry's journey through a lens of resilience against oppressive social norms.

Does The Only include disability representation?

Good

The documentary provides meaningful insight into invisible disabilities through Scurry’s experience with a career-ending concussion. It presents a realistic depiction of navigating neurological and psychological vulnerability.

Present on Screen

Exceptional storytelling that links athletic success to identity.
Nuanced exploration of the psychological impact of racism and homophobia.
Avoids 'inspiration porn' when discussing neurological and mental health struggles.
Challenges traditional sports clichés by prioritizing personal identity over statistics.

Limited or Absent

The film's focus on systemic struggle may feel heavy for viewers seeking purely celebratory sports content.

Official Synopsis

The Only explores the highest triumphs and darkest defeats throughout the extraordinary life of U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame goalkeeper Briana Scurry. The documentary explores the inspirational glory and deeply dark corners of a Hall of Fame goalkeeper who stood alone on the field as the only Black starter and the only openly gay player. While celebrating the historic legacy of Scurry's career, including two Olympic gold medals and a penalty save to help the U.S. win the 1999 Women's World Cup, the film also tells the story of how she overcame racism and homophobia at the time of her greatest triumphs before later finding herself on the edge of suicide following a career-ending concussion.

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