
The story introduces Christy Sweeney in the late 1980s as she begins a relationship with her high school girlfriend, Rosie (Jess Gabor). Their romance is well-known, despite living in the traditionally-minded coal mining town of Mullens, West Virginia. Christy’s mother, Joyce (Merritt Wever), a devoutly religious woman, disapproves and pressures her daughter to follow traditional values and find a husband, warning her that she’ll face shame if she doesn’t. Feeling stifled, Christy channels her anger and frustration into boxing, taking on local matches for money. Though she hasn’t had any formal training, she’s incredibly resilient and a powerful fighter.