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Undercard

Play trailer 1:34 Poster for Undercard Now Playing 1h 46m Drama Sports Play Trailer Watchlist
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47% Tomatometer 17 Reviews 89% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
When Cheryl "No Mercy" Stewart, a two-time former boxing champion and recovering alcoholic, reaches out to the 21-year-old son she abandoned, she is met with deep-seated resentment. Keith Stewart, a naturally gifted fighter, relies on raw talent--but without discipline or focus, he can't reach the top. After a devastating loss caused by his gambling-addicted trainer, Keith's career loses direction and his confidence takes a hit. Cheryl sees a chance not only to save her son's career, but to reclaim the family she lost. With everything on the line, mother and son enter an uneasy partnership, balancing ambition, forgiveness, and the price of a second chance.
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Critics Reviews

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Rendy Jones Autostraddle 4d
While Sykes gives a strong performance, Undercard‘s ring is overstuffed with subplot, aimless in its punches. Go to Full Review
Thelma Adams AARP Movies for Grownups Mar 3
4/5
As the sports drama builds to its inevitable final bout, which delivers the requisite nail-biter scene in the ring, Undercard lionizes the underdog finding her way with abundant heart and a fire in her belly. Go to Full Review
Peyton Robinson RogerEbert.com Feb 27
1.5/4
‘Undercard’ is a relationship drama disguised as a boxing film, but it doesn’t succeed in either realm. Go to Full Review
Valerie Kalfrin AWFJ.org 2d
3/5
... a split decision. [Wanda] Sykes holds the screen as a former boxer turned trainer seeking connection and redemption with the son she once abandoned, but the plot occasionally gets stuck on the ropes. Go to Full Review
Aaron Neuwirth We Live Entertainment Mar 6
6/10
Sykes is clearly passionate about many things in her life, and seeing her take the opportunity to channel that into a dramatic performance rather than more stand-up material was bound to pay off. Unsurprisingly, it did. Go to Full Review
Ria Dhull Spectrum Culture Mar 4
Multiple storylines are packed tightly into the plot, but none are given nearly enough time to develop. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Missy Mar 5 It actually takes a lot to get me to the movies — which might sound surprising since my degree is in film/video. For me to show up, the story, cast, and production have to truly move me. When I learned that Wanda Sykes — who is already at the top of my list as one of my favorite comedians — was stepping into her first dramatic role, I was immediately intrigued. Then finding out the film was directed by a Black woman sealed the deal for me. The cinematography was absolutely stunning. Every frame felt intentional and it held my attention the entire time. The characters also brought a familiar, relatable energy that made me invested in their story. I never knew I needed to see Wanda in a dramatic role, but Tamika brought out a side of her that I would absolutely love to see again. Overall, Undercard was great. Highly recommend. See more Marcella Mar 3 I really enjoyed this film! Wanda Sykes was wonderful in her first dramatic role! The story was captivating and held my attention throughout. I was not previously familiar with Bentley Green, the young man that plays Wanda's son, but I thought he did an excellent job as well. Just a heartfelt story about family, betrayal and forgiveness. See more Shawn H Mar 2 Predictable movie no surprises. Just a ok movie,you can wait till it comes on tv. See more Michelle M @Michellie Mar 2 I loved it. Loved the characters, the mother son conflict and the acting. It was a good movie about struggle and overcoming to get to the top. I give it a A-/B+. See more Micki Mar 2 I caught a screening of Undercard yesterday at the AMC in Morrow with some friends, and honestly? It blew me away. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not usually a huge Wanda Sykes fan, but she was incredible in this—completely won me over. The plot is super tight and kept us guessing the whole time nothing about it felt predictable, especially that ending. To top it all off, we actually ran into the writer on our way out! Such a cool experience. Definitely go check this one out. See more Teresa Dowell-Vest Mar 2 Loved this film. Wanda Sykes' work as "No Mercy" was layered and drawn from a soulful place. Loved watching her work. Tamika Miller's direction kept the film moving forward at an exciting pace, not slowing even for the deeply emotional scenes. Beautifully shot. This film isn't simply ONE thing: it's a boxing film, it's a love story, it's an ode to motherhood in it various forms. The film centers a Queer, Black, Woman in a boxing film...on the strength of that alone, this film is different and works outside the boundaries of typical sports films troupes. Sykes' character struggles to balance so many competing issues in her life that the boxing match isn't solely in the ring. Often, she is fighting herself. It's a stellar film. Undercard is a love letter to anyone who dare survive all obstacles to pursue dreams, love and family. Great film. See more Read all reviews
Undercard

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Movie Info

Synopsis When Cheryl "No Mercy" Stewart, a two-time former boxing champion and recovering alcoholic, reaches out to the 21-year-old son she abandoned, she is met with deep-seated resentment. Keith Stewart, a naturally gifted fighter, relies on raw talent--but without discipline or focus, he can't reach the top. After a devastating loss caused by his gambling-addicted trainer, Keith's career loses direction and his confidence takes a hit. Cheryl sees a chance not only to save her son's career, but to reclaim the family she lost. With everything on the line, mother and son enter an uneasy partnership, balancing ambition, forgiveness, and the price of a second chance.
Director
Tamika Miller
Producer
Anne Clements, Frances Lausell, Andrés Ramírez
Screenwriter
Anita M. Cal, Tamika Miller
Distributor
Seismic Releasing / Catalyst Studios
Production Co
Catalyst Studios
Genre
Drama, Sports
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 27, 2026, Limited
Runtime
1h 46m