Miguel Wants to Fight is a 2023 American coming-of-age comedy directed by Oz Rodríguez, known for his work on Saturday Night Live and A.P. Bio. The film stars Tyler Dean Flores as Miguel, a high schooler who, despite growing up in a neighborhood where fighting is commonplace, has never been in a physical altercation. When he learns that his family is moving away in a week, Miguel becomes determined to experience his first fight, believing it to be a rite of passage before leaving his friends and community behind.

Plot Summary

Set in Syracuse, New York, the story follows Miguel and his close-knit group of friends: David (Christian Vunipola), Cass (Imani Lewis), and Srini (Suraj Partha). The quartet shares a passion for action movies, anime, and creating choreographed fight scenes for social media. Despite their shared interests, Miguel has always avoided real-life confrontations. However, the impending move and subtle pressures from his boxing trainer father (Raúl Castillo) prompt Miguel to seek out a real fight, leading to a series of comedic and heartfelt misadventures.

Conclusion

Miguel Wants to Fight offers a refreshing perspective on the teenage experience, blending humor, action, and heartfelt moments. Its exploration of identity and the pressures of adolescence resonates with audiences, making it a noteworthy addition to the coming-of-age genre. The film is available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.