With over 2000+ reviews here, I can share that the most frustrating films to review are the ones which -- like the lead character in this story -- never live up to their full potential. Similar to the story arc in another recent release -- THE SUBSTANCE 2024 -- BALESTRA 2024 is about a woman who is unhappy with the way her life has turned out. And will do anything -- literally! -- to fix that. The technicals are great, and the acting is solid. (Although Cush Jumbo was not the first pick for the role, there was a last minute change). The problem with the film is that the first 15 minutes, and the last 15 minutes, are of an entirely quality than the almost two hours of muddle in the middle. The film starts with a fascinating technical premise, a great set-up; and ends with an exciting fencing showdown so good that it could have come from a sports documentary. The middle, unfortunately, is just an old-fashioned love triangle with gaps and yawns that make you think you might be watching a different film. And that's a pity. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))