Second Serve

Synopsis

Second Serve is a compelling 1986 biographical drama that chronicles the extraordinary life of Renée Richards, a transgender tennis player who fought against discrimination to compete at the highest levels of the sport. Starring Vanessa Redgrave in a powerful portrayal, the film explores Renée's challenging journey of self-discovery, the intense scrutiny she faced from the tennis establishment, and her courageous battle for acceptance in a traditionally conservative arena. Through moments of triumph and hardship, the film provides a heartfelt examination of identity, resilience, and the quest for equality in sports during a time of limited understanding and acceptance.

Cast

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  Vanessa Redgrave

  Renee Richards

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  Martin Balsam

  Dr. Beck

• 

  William Russ

  Josh

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  Alice Krige

  Gwen

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  Louise Fletcher

  Dr. Sadie M. Bishop

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  Kerrie Keane

  Meriam

Reviews

Critical reception of Second Serve has been mixed but generally positive, with particular praise directed towards Vanessa Redgrave’s compelling and nuanced performance as Renée Richards. On IMDb, the film holds a respectable rating of 7.3/10, reflecting a solid appreciation from viewers for its emotional depth and historical significance. Critics from The New York Times commended the film for shedding light on an important but underrepresented story, noting that Redgrave "brings dignity and strength to a complex character." However, some reviewers felt the pacing was uneven and that certain dramatic moments were overly sentimental. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a consensus rating, as the film predates widespread review aggregation, but individual reviews highlight its role in sparking conversations about gender and sports. Metacritic also lacks a score for the film, which is common for earlier television movies. Overall, Second Serve is recognized for its groundbreaking subject matter and its contribution to dialogues about transgender rights, even if the film’s style reflects its 1980s television origins.

See also

Sinners

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers

[REC]³ Genesis

Fantozzi The Return